Scotland’s World Cup Charm Offensive Backs Case for Bigger Tournament
Scotland’s supporters have become one of the stories of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, with the Tartan Army winning admirers from Boston to Miami. According to a piece published by The Guardian, written by the director of Euro 2024, Scotland’s presence at the tournament is itself the strongest argument for FIFA’s controversial decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams.
The Scots defeated Haiti to record their first World Cup win in 36 years, with scenes of kilted fans marching through Boston with bagpipes going viral across social media. In one widely shared clip, a local resident was reportedly moved to tears, thanking Scottish fans “for the best time” of his life. The Tartan Army also gate-crashed a Boston Red Sox baseball game, turning it into an impromptu World Cup celebration.
The author, who also described warm memories of Scotland fans at Euro 2024 in Germany, points out that under the old 32-team format Scotland had not qualified for a World Cup since 1998. The expanded field has given nations like Scotland a route back onto the global stage — and, the argument goes, football is richer for it.
Not everyone agrees. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has publicly criticised what he sees as a drop in quality, and 13 non-European nations — including 2022 semi-finalists Morocco — signed an open letter of protest against the format. The Guardian’s piece pushes back on Ceferin’s position, suggesting UEFA’s concerns reflect fears about European dominance being eroded rather than genuine worries about the sport’s health.
The tournament has already produced notable results from less-fancied sides. DR Congo held Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo to a draw, Cape Verde did the same against European champions Spain and former world champions Uruguay, and Uzbekistan — represented in central Asia for the first time at a World Cup — equalised against Colombia, with head coach Fabio Cannavaro celebrating on the touchline.
For UK fans tracking the action, it is worth noting the article does not spare FIFA entirely. Ticket pricing practices are questioned, with accusations that governing body has obscured true demand figures to maximise revenue. There is also criticism of the biennial World Cup proposal and the strain placed on players by the bloated Club World Cup schedule.
For now though, the headline takeaway is Scotland: proof, some say, that a bigger tournament can deliver bigger moments. Follow all the action on our World Cup 2026 hub and check the latest live standings.