American media outlets are already falling in love with Scotland supporters as they cover the festivities surrounding the Tartan Army's arrival in Boston for the 2026 World Cup.
Scottish Fans Make a Splash in Boston
The Tartan Army has officially landed in Boston, and it hasn't taken long for Scottish supporters to make an impression on the locals. Thousands of Scotland fans have traveled across the Atlantic ahead of the national team's opening match against Haiti on Saturday, June 13, with Boston already filling up with tartan, kilts, and football chants.
American media have been quick to take notice of the traveling support. One local news station interviewed fans as they arrived at Boston Logan International Airport. A report from CBS Boston, shared on TikTok by WBZ News, captured the excitement surrounding the arrival of Scotland supporters and emphasized the reputation that often follows the Tartan Army around the world. Introducing the segment, the reporter joked: "Scotland fans are known for three things. Their kilts, their chants, and their libations."
Fans Share Their Stories
The clip featured supporters fresh off the flight from Scotland, including one fan who admitted the celebrations had already begun long before touching down in the United States. Looking keen to start the festivities, one fan told the reporter: "Been drinking since, what time did I get up this morning? One o'clock in the morning I got up." Clearly adding to the reputation of being known for libation.
The journey itself appears to have been lively. The reporter revealed: "The pilot telling us when the beer ran out, they switched to wine." Another fan joked that the shortage of booze onboard was the biggest issue they encountered during their trip. "We ran out of beer, that was my only complaint. We had a round of applause when we landed. I don't know if you do that here. That's a very Scottish thing," he said.
The reporter predicted the city would quickly become familiar with its Scottish visitors over the coming days. "By the end of the weekend, Boston will know the Scots, certainly by their attire," he said.
American Viewers Welcome the Scottish Invasion
The video report quickly gained attention online, with American viewers welcoming the Scottish invasion and sharing their excitement about the atmosphere the supporters are expected to bring to the city. Several Americans admitted they had little to no knowledge about Scotland's traveling support before seeing the video but were already looking forward to meeting fans in local bars and pubs.
One person commented: "There is no way Boston runs out of beer. Don't worry lads." Another joked: "They'll probably be disappointed with our beer." Others were already planning to join in with the celebrations being held by Scotland fans. One user wrote: "I'm in central Massachusetts and stay away from Boston like it's the plague, but the Scots make me want to visit a Boston pub and make friends."
Boston Globe and Other Outlets Cover the Tartan Army
The Boston Globe took to the streets of the city, heading into the bars to see if they could chat to the Tartan Army. They found no shortage of Scotland fans soaking in the atmosphere. In a video, reporters spoke to two fans wearing Mexico strips who said "the Scottish fan base is here," before the camera panned to multiple Scots jumping up and down while cheering at their table.
The publication also spoke to a Scotland supporter who revealed he was in France the last time Scotland made it to the World Cup back in 1998. He jokingly told the camera: "I'm here now. But I don't think I'll see another one." The video ended with loud chants from the Tartan Army as they sang "Hey Baby," made popular by Australian singer DJ Otzi.
Meanwhile, WBZ News Radio went to The Haven pub in Boston, which they claim is the "go-to spot for Scotland fans" due to its variety of Scottish-inspired food and drinks. The publication reported that Scotland supporters were in the bar, having just dropped their bags off and come straight to the pub from their flight. Despite the large number of fans, the publication noted a few Boston locals had joined in with the celebrations. "Some were caught by surprise when a man began to play the Scottish National Anthem on the bagpipes," they wrote.
The Providence Journal alerted Americans about what the Tartan Army is all about, letting them know what to expect from the fans who wear kilts and chant everywhere they go. Writing: "PROVIDENCE – Hear a 'Braveheart'-like burr while you're walking around downtown? Are some boisterous bagpipers making their way up your street? Those are just two telltale signs that the Scots have arrived."
As the national team prepares to take the pitch on Saturday, it seems the supporters are keen to make a lasting impression on the Americans.
