Scottish supporters have reacted with fury following today’s announcement of their 2026 World Cup kick-off times, with the opening fixture against Haiti scheduled for 2am UK time.
The Tartan Army will face Morocco and Brazil at 11pm in their remaining Group C matches, leaving fans facing a series of late nights next summer.
Social media erupted with anger at the scheduling, with one supporter writing: “Nobody is going to be able to watch these games. Think weens are going to stay up to 2am??”
Another branded the times “absolutely disgraceful,” whilst others questioned why east coast venues required such late starts.
With Scottish pubs required to close at 1am, nightclubs are emerging as the solution for supporters wanting to watch the late fixtures together.
Donald Macleod, who founded The Garage and The Cathouse in Glasgow, believes the tournament could provide a boost for the nighttime economy.
“Clubs are built for late opening and have the safety infrastructure like first aid rooms on-site and CCTV coverage everywhere,” he told The Scottish Sun.
He suggested that whilst pubs could host earlier matches, nightclub venues offer a safe environment for the late games, though he acknowledged that public transport arrangements for getting supporters home would need addressing.
Scottish supporters have reacted with fury following today’s announcement of their 2026 World Cup kick-off times
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Colin Wilkinson from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for venues across the country.
He said: “We would welcome anything that helps the industry. Clubs are the best equipped for early hours closing and the safest place for lots of people to watch an event.”
He noted that pubs could accommodate the earlier kick-offs whilst clubs benefit from supporters staying out later.
“The best place for fans to watch these games will be in our local pubs and clubs where the atmosphere will be electric, you’ll be among friends and will no doubt make new ones,” Wilkinson added, acknowledging that most supporters cannot travel to North America.
Despite the scheduling frustrations, Scotland manager Steve Clarke struck an optimistic tone about the draw itself following Friday’s ceremony in Washington.
“It’s good. Took a long time to get to the draw, mind, but no the draw is fantastic,” he said.
Clarke highlighted his satisfaction at avoiding European opposition, noting that facing sides from three different continents captures the essence of the tournament.
“One of the big things in my head was no European teams – so we are playing three top sides from three different continents of the world, and that’s what the World Cup is all about,” he explained.
Scotland’s return to the World Cup marks their first appearance in the finals since 1998.
The Tartan Army defeated Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park in a winner-takes-all game to qualify.
Scott McTominay put the Scots ahead after just three minutes of play, scoring a Puskas-worthy overhead kick.
Lawrence Shankland scored the second before Kieran Tierney wrapped his left foot around the ball from the right of the box and bent it into the left of the goal, past Schmeichel, for the third.
Kenny McLean, who spotted Schmeichel off his line, took advantage from inside his own half to chip the keeper from 50 yards.