The Scots are used to not being the protagonists of World Cups. In eight editions so far, they have never advanced to the next stage. However, the confirmation of their ninth participation in 2026 – when they will be in Group C, with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti – made the eyes of supporters shine. But this time, we’re not really hoping for a better campaign.
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Although the ranking was achieved after a 4-2 victory over Denmark, complete with a stunning bicycle kick that went around the world, the qualifying campaign was full of ups and downs and included a dose of luck. However, for Scottish fans, returning to the World Cup after 28 years means much more than fighting for the title. This is an opportunity to reaffirm ourselves as a nation.
— If you are a small country neighboring a larger one, you must work to keep your culture alive. In football, Scottish fans have become the country’s global ambassadors. Many wear kilts, play bagpipes and behave well so as not to be confused with the English. There are these examples of Scots helping elderly women cross the street, cleaning the square after the party… — explains Scottish journalist Andrew Downie. — We will assert our culture and our independence.
Football is part of the country’s identity. For three consecutive years, the national league recorded the highest audience per capita in Europe. For every 1,000 Scots, 18.5 attended stadiums during the 2024/25 season.
They were the sensation of the last European Cup. It is estimated that there were 200,000 fans in Germany in 2024. In a country of 5.5 million people, that means one in 27 Scots have travelled.
The team did not advance past the group stage, but the Tartan Army (as the supporters are called) was chosen as the best fan base in a survey conducted by German broadcaster RTL. On the occasion, former player Philipp Lam, quadruple world champion with Germany in 2014 and who worked in the organization of the Euro, published an article in the English newspaper The Guardian entitled “Let’s all be Scottish”.
— They always go to the World Cup more with the desire to have fun than to succeed on the field. The fans even chant “No Scotland, no party” – continues Downie, who lived in Brazil for 20 years and has just written the biography “Epico: The Many Lives of Pelé”, which will be released in the UK in 2026.
The team’s star has never played in the country
The lack of expectations on the ground is no accident. Until the rankings, the team was the target of complaints and mistrust. The defensive style of play and average technical level prevent excitement.
The highlight of the team is Naples’ Scott McTominay. Star of the last Italian Championship and scorer of the big goal in the 4-2 victory against Denmark, the midfielder was born in England and naturalized to wear the colors of his father’s land. But he has never defended a Scottish team.
With little money flowing into local football, England is the destination for most of Scotland’s standout athletes, which ultimately affects the quality of the league. However, the passion for football does not calm down. This will be demonstrated by the American cities of Boston and Miami, which will host the Scots during the group stage of the World Cup.
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