Tartan Army is taking the party to Miami... and making it 'the happiest place on earth'

By JOHN PAUL BRESLIN, WEEKEND NEWS EDITOR - SCOTLAND Published: 20:02, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 20:03, 23 June 2026 Tartan Army fans have continued their charm offensive in America, delighting locals in Miami ahead of Scotland’s crunch match against Brazil on Wednesday night. As anticipation grows for the third game in Scotland’s World Cup campaign, supporters have been lighting up the U.S. city with their usual japes and enthusiasm. Tens of thousands of Scots have made their way to the state of Florida to attend the game against Brazil at the 65,000-capacity Miami Stadium. Long before kick-off, the Tartan Army had flooded local bars and parks as they brought the same party atmosphere with them that delighted the people of Boston – where Scotland’s first two matches were played. The sound of bagpipes echoed around LoanDepot Stadium – the home of baseball team the Miami Marlins - on Monday night as an estimated 8,000 Scotland fans announced their arrival. Belting out the well-worn chant of ‘No Scotland, No Party,’ they had marched roughly one mile to the venue, singing, playing bagpipes and waving to onlookers as they went. Inside, the fans helped create a carnival atmosphere – no doubt helped by the fact many had purchased a “Tartan Army Ticket Package,” which included beer. Afterwards, Marlins starting pitcher Tyler Phillips said: ‘If it was up to me, I would have us paying those people to show up to the games. That was unbelievable. Scottish supporters gather at Little Havana in Miami Scots fans celebrate before the MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Miami Marlins  ‘Like from the second I walked out and then up the dugout, I felt it in my chest. It felt great.’ The Tartan Army is also said to have lit up the Little Havana area of Miami during the short time they’ve been there, with local media delighting in their antics. A reporter for Miami New Times was among a host of journalists to join the Scots as they partied, describing it as having been turned into ‘the happiest place on earth’. A number of local watering holes have already been turned into de facto bases for the travelling fans. And the Tartan Army should find a warm welcome for their upbeat antics, given Miami is already famously known as The Party City. Johnny Sloan, who flew to Boston from Glasgow, Scotland, and drove to Miami for Wednesday’s match, said: ‘We’re loving everything.’ Steve Clarke’s men arrived in Florida on Monday night having beaten Haiti in their opening match before losing to Morocco. If they can take a point from five-time world champions Brazil, they will almost certainly make the knockout stage for the first time ever. And among an estimated 10,000 Scotland fans expected to attend the game, there are the usual mix of Scots celebrities, who have brought a splash of glamour to the fixtures. Scottish singer Amy Macdonald has flown out for the game One such star is singer Amy McDonald, who shared videos from Miami Beach on Tuesday after flying out for the game. No sooner than she landed, the songwriter said she’d been pulled up about the Tartan Army’s propensity for drinking – a reputation boosted by reports that many bars in Boston ran out of beer during the time Scotland fans were there. MacDonald revealed an American jokingly took issue with the fact she was buying a soft drink in local supermarket Walgreens, telling her: ‘Get a beer!’ Another celebrity who is expected to be at the game is comedian and actor Greg McHugh, who famously played Gary Tank Commander. He had made a plea on social media for someone to help him get a ticket, before later confirming he had arranged his ESTA and booked flights to head to Miami. Those already there have had to endure sizzling temperatures upwards of 40C. ITV presenter Connie McLaughlin described the conditions as the hottest she had ever experienced. She said: ‘It’s like being in a sauna.’ However, very different weather conditions altogether could delay Scotland’s match. The BBC is predicting ‘thundery showers and a gentle breeze’ around 6pm local time, when the game is due to kick off. That means that, under new rules introduced at this summer’s tournament, the game would need to be halted if a lightning strike is detected within eight miles of the stadium. Also, given the match is due to kick off at 11pm UK time, any delay will see the game drag on even later than it is already scheduled to, leaving many fans who have work and school the next day feeling decidedly more tired. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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