Fans who have made the long trip across to Boston are desperate for us not to blow it.
The Tartan Army have issued a rallying cry to the national team ahead of our crucial World Cup opener against Haiti as fans beg… don’t mess this up.
We can give our chances of progressing through the group stage of a major tournament for the first time ever a huge boost by seeing off the Caribbean outfit on Saturday night – and fans who have made the long trip across to Boston are desperate for us not to blow it.
After a night of partying as we celebrated our arrival back on the world’s biggest stage, supporters brushed off the hangovers and headed out early again on Friday.
Temperatures had dropped ever-so-slightly to around 30C, but many fans who still haven’t been able to adapt to this kind of heat were seen diving into air conditioned eateries and boozers for cover.
We can only hope the Scotland team, who arrived over in the States over a week ago, have had time to adjust as we prepare for the big match – and supporters heading to the match tomorrow are feeling confident we can do it.
John Mackay, 33, an engineer from the Highlands, told the Record: “We came up here from Virginia on Thursday morning. It’s my first time seeing Scottish people in years.
“It’s been good catching up with some of the people from back home. When the draw came out, I was just praying for the east coast. It could have been anywhere, but Boston was perfect.
“We’ve got tickets for the Haiti game. We got them through resale, so we had to pay a huge amount for them.
“But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity – we’ve waited all this time. It’s a bucket list item.
“We kind of had our World Cup final in November when we beat Denmark to qualify. The euphoria of a nation.
“We will never experience that ever again – but we can’t waste this opportunity. I think we’re going to get a big win and finally get out of a group. 4-0 Scotland.”
Glasgow brothers Gary Collins, an operations manager who now lives in York, and Paul Flynn, a chef who now lives in Brisbane, linked up in Boston for the trip of a lifetime.
Gary, 53, told the Record: “We’ve already had a tremendous time, it’s been terrific.
“It has really been magic, a great atmosphere. We’ve been made to feel at home. The Bostonians have been fabulous, really friendly.
“We’ve got tickets for the Haiti game and the Brazil match. We have to win on Saturday – but we know what history’s like. I think this group of players are different, though. I don’t think they’ll let us down.”
There’s been a family friendly atmosphere in the city with fans enjoying the American hospitality.
Donna Sweeney, a social worker from Gartcosh, and her son Murray, 12, have been stopped everywhere they’ve went with locals desperate to get a picture of the youngster in his Duke of Wellington style traffic cone hat.
Donna, 47, said: “The atmosphere’s amazing. It’s really family friendly. Everybody’s been talking to us. We’ve done loads of trips and we’re going to the game tomorrow.
“We’re really looking forward to that. I’m confident we are going to get the result we need. 3-0 Scotland!”
Murray added: “I’ve had so many people come up to me, random people saying oh, nice hat! It’s been crazy. I’m taking the hat with me to the game. Hopefully it brings us luck.”
Kevin Findlay, 47, his wife Andrea, 45, and their son Aaron, 13, have travelled from St John’s in Canada.
Kevin, who is originally from Aberdeen, said: “We all live in Canada now and we travelled down yesterday and it’s been a blast ever since we landed here.
“As soon as I heard, we qualified we knew we couldn’t miss it for the world.
“We’ve got tickets, the three of us, so we’re getting the trained down at 4 o’clock to start the party straight away.
“I don’t want to be overconfident but I think we’re gonna make it past this round. Definitely. No question.”
Andrea added: “We’re really excited about the game. We can’t wait to see all the Scotland fans. The vibe has been amazing, and we’re ready to go. Come on Scotland!”
It look Mark Batchelor, 37, his wife Michelle, 37, and their kids Lewis, 14 and Sophie, 10, two days to get to America from Airdrie – but now they’re here they just can’t wait for kick off.
Michelle said; “I’s just been amazing. Just getting here, and the atmosphere – the train stations, airports, taxis, buses, it’s been a journey.
“But we’re here now and it’s the experience of a lifetime.”
Mark added: “Imagine getting to bring your kids to something like this. It’s really is once in a lifetime thing.
“The kids weren’t even born the last time we qualified but I can just the agony of France 98 – but it’s going to be differnet this time!”
Jack Wattie, 37, an agricultural worker from Aberdeenshire, added: “The weather has been amazing – it’s been great.
“We came out here on Wednesday and we’re going home on Monday but we have tickets for the Haiti game. It’s going to be some buzz. It feels like this is our time. We won’t get a better opportunity than this.
“I fancy us to win 2-0. We need to play a 442, play two strikers up top and really go for it. That will put us in a really good position to get out of the group. Come on Scotland!”
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14th June 2026
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