From Celebration to Logistics: The Tartan Army's Transatlantic Quest
The euphoria of Scotland's dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday night, which secured a coveted place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is now giving way to the sobering reality of a tournament being staged more than 3,000 miles away. While the players bask in their success, the famed Tartan Army is confronting the immense logistical and financial challenge of following their team across North America.
The North American Hosting Puzzle
The 2026 World Cup is a unique, continent-spanning event, kicking off in June at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca and hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This presents a major hurdle for Scottish supporters, who are caught in a difficult bind. With the final draw for the group stages not scheduled until December 5, fans must choose between booking flights early to save money and waiting to discover where their team will actually play.
Even with the group stages broadly divided into Eastern, Western, and Central regions to minimise travel, supporters could still face gruelling journeys. For instance, if Scotland is based in the Eastern region, matches could be scheduled in cities as far apart as Toronto and Miami, a distance of over 1,200 miles. While flights from Edinburgh to Philadelphia are currently available for just over £700, the potential need for further internal travel adds a significant layer of complexity and cost.
Navigating Visas, Scams, and Travel Advice
Experts are issuing urgent warnings to fans not to be caught out by the varying entry requirements for the three host nations. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, has emphasised the need for careful planning. He stated, ‘Supporters have already been urged to book flights early if they want the best prices... But anyone planning to travel should remember that although booking early will save money, it is a gamble when we don’t yet know where Scotland will be playing.’
The charity has issued a crucial checklist for travelling supporters, which includes:
- Ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Checking specific visa requirements for each host country.
- Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and considering flexible booking options.
- Being vigilant against online scams and inflated ticket resale prices.
Simon Calder, the Independent’s travel correspondent, echoed this sentiment on the BBC, noting, ‘Sixteen days from now all of this will be revealed... at which point prices for flights and accommodation will go stratospheric. So you could – and this is my strategy – take a guess on a transatlantic flight now.’
The key administrative hurdles are clear. To enter the United States, UK nationals must apply for an ESTA travel authorisation or a visa. For Canada, most travellers need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Fortunately, British citizens visiting Mexico as tourists do not require a visa. With visa processing times often being lengthy, fans are being urged to apply well in advance of the tournament.
