American newspapers and television stations are already falling in love with Scotland supporters as the Tartan Army arrives in Boston for the 2026 World Cup. Thousands of fans have traveled across the Atlantic ahead of Scotland's opening match against Haiti on Saturday, June 13, and the city is filling up with tartan, kilts, and football chants.
Local News Stations Embrace the Tartan Army
American media outlets have been quick to notice the traveling support. CBS Boston, in a report shared on TikTok by WBZ News, interviewed fans arriving at Boston Logan International Airport. The reporter joked: "Scotland fans are known for three things. Their kilts, their chants and their libations."
The clip featured supporters fresh off the flight, with one admitting celebrations had begun long before landing: "Been drinking since, what time did I get up this morning? One o'clock in the morning I got up." The reporter added: "The pilot telling us when the beer ran out, they switched to wine."
Another fan quipped that the drink shortage was his only complaint: "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."
American Viewers React Online
The video report quickly gained attention online, with Americans welcoming the Scottish invasion. 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 planned to join the celebrations, writing: "I'm in central Massachusetts and stay away from Boston like it's the plague, but the Scot's make me want to visit a Boston pub and make friends."
Boston Globe Visits Local Pubs
The Boston Globe headed into bars to chat with the Tartan Army. Reporters spoke to two fans wearing Mexico strips who said "the Scottish fan base is here," before the camera panned to Scots jumping and cheering. One supporter revealed he was in France for Scotland's last World Cup appearance in 1998 and joked: "I'm here now. But I don't think I'll see another one." The video ended with chants of "Hey Baby" by DJ Otzi.
WBZ News Radio at The Haven
WBZ News Radio visited The Haven pub in Boston, described as the "go-to spot for Scotland fans" due to its Scottish-inspired food and drinks. Supporters had dropped their bags and headed straight there from the flight. Some Boston locals joined in, and the publication noted: "Some were caught by surprise when a man began to play the Scottish National Anthem on the bagpipes."
Providence Journal Explains the Tartan Army
The Providence Journal alerted Americans about what to expect: "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, the supporters are keen to make a lasting impression on the Americans.
