The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has confirmed that the Tartan Army, a term for fans of the Scotland national football team, have been given approval by FIFA to wear sporrans with their kilts at World Cup matches this summer. This decision comes after thousands of supporters are expected to travel to the US following the men's national team's qualification for the first time since 1998.
The World Cup stadium code of conduct typically only permits ticket holders to bring certain types of bags into stadiums. Initially, sporrans failed to meet these strict security criteria due to their size and non-transparent nature. However, following negotiations between FIFA and SFA, it has now been agreed that fans will be able to wear them.
Without this agreement, Scotland fans would have had no choice but either leave their sporrans in lockers outside or discard them altogether. This would have been a significant blow as sporrans are an integral part of traditional Scottish attire worn with kilts.
Scotland’s journey to World Cup
Scotland is set for matches against Haiti and Morocco in Boston and Brazil in Miami after qualifying for the finals with an exciting 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park last November. The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams playing from June 11th through July 19th across sixteen cities in three countries: USA, Canada and Mexico.
Under current rules at stadiums in Boston and Miami, large bags allowed into grounds must be made from clear plastic not exceeding dimensions of 12in x 12in x 6in (30cm x30cm x15cm). Any small bags that aren't see-through must measure no more than almost half the size of many sporrans - specifically no more than 4.5in x6.5in (11cm x16.5cm).
A SFA spokesperson said:
"FIFA have confirmed that sporrans will be permitted into the stadiums following the standard search and inspection procedures and will continue to work together with the Scottish FA to educate their matchday staff as they prepare to welcome fans to Boston and Miami. The ticketing and membership team at the Scottish FA are in continued dialogue with the tournament hosts to ensure that the Scotland fans will be welcomed to venues in the way they have been across the world."
Scotland squad’s World Cup return
The agreement on sporrans comes after it was revealed that the Scotland squad will be dressed in tailored suits for their World Cup return. In 1998, the team, managed by the late Craig Brown, wore kilts ahead of their opening match against Brazil in Paris.
However, last month SFA confirmed a Glasgow-based tailor will make "sharp, made-to-measure suits" for players and backroom staff this time around. This move is seen as an effort to present a polished image of the team as they return to the global stage after nearly three decades.
FIFA's approval for Scottish fans to wear sporrans at World Cup matches is not just about adhering to stadium rules but also about respecting cultural traditions. It's a win for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike who are eagerly looking forward to seeing how Steve Clarke's side performs this summer.
