Boston has closed its World Cup fan zone after the Tartan Army's departure, despite having two more matches to host. The US host city confirmed today that its FIFA Fan Festival at Boston's City Hall Plaza has shut down for good.
Decision Violates FIFA Requirements
The decision goes against FIFA's requirements, which mandate that host cities must organise and run fan festivals for every match of the tournament. However, Boston officials decided to end the event now that Scottish fans have started heading home after Scotland crashed out of the World Cup. Defeats to Morocco and Brazil, combined with other results, meant Scotland was not among the eight best third-placed teams.
Massive Tartan Army Presence
Around 50,000 Scotland fans travelled to the Massachusetts capital for the national team's opening two games: a 1-0 victory against Haiti on June 13 and a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on June 19. The Tartan Army made a massive impression on Bostonians, filling the fan zone and even prompting a local police officer to perform keepy-uppies. Boston and Glasgow became sister cities after officials were won over by the Scottish spirit.
Boston is still due to host two remaining World Cup matches: a knockout game between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium today, and a quarter-final on July 9.
City Statement and Fan Reactions
A statement from the city reads: "The FIFA Fan Festival Boston has officially closed. Throughout the Group Stage matches, fans from around the world came together in the heart of Boston to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026, proving once again that the beautiful game has the power to unite people across cultures, languages, and borders." The statement added: "By the numbers, more than 155,000 fans from 108+ countries, 43 live matches, 109 goals scored, and one unforgettable FIFA Fan Festival Boston. We would like to thank everyone for bringing the energy and passion. The tournament continues... this chapter may be over, but the FIFA World Cup 2026 journey isn't!"
The move has left many football fans in the city disgruntled. One wrote on Instagram: "No way you guys closed it when it comes to the best part of the World Cup," while another said: "Why is it closed now when it's not over?" A third asked: "Why don't you guys keep it open for the knockout rounds? I don't get it. I think people will still come to it," and a fourth fumed: "No way you closed so early! What a missed opportunity. So boring."
