FIFA Allows Scottish Fans to Wear Sporrans at World Cup

Tartan Army can bring traditional pouches to US stadiums after talks with organizers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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After initial concerns that stadium bag policies would prevent Scottish soccer fans from wearing their traditional sporrans, FIFA has confirmed that the Tartan Army will be allowed to bring the pouches worn with kilts into World Cup stadiums in the US this summer, as long as they pass standard security checks.

Why it matters

The sporran is an integral part of Scottish national dress and identity, so allowing fans to wear them at the World Cup matches is seen as an important recognition of Scottish culture and tradition by FIFA and tournament organizers.

The details

Stadium policies in Boston and Miami, where Scotland will play their first-round matches, had initially threatened to restrict the sporrans due to size limits on bags. However, after talks between the Scottish Football Association and FIFA, an exemption has been granted to allow fans to bring their sporrans into the stadiums, as long as they contain only match tickets and personal items.

  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Scotland is scheduled to play their first-round matches in Boston and Miami.

The players

Scottish Football Association

The governing body of football in Scotland, which represented Scottish fans in negotiations with FIFA over the sporran issue.

Hamish Husband

A veteran member of the Tartan Army, the nickname for Scottish soccer fans, who expressed confidence that FIFA would allow the traditional sporrans to be worn.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, which confirmed that Scottish fans will be allowed to wear their sporrans at World Cup stadiums in the US.

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What they’re saying

“The Tartan Army are well-known and the sporran is part of our uniform. Our sporrans will contain our match tickets and hope—that's all we want to smuggle into the stadiums. When we arrive anywhere in the world, the kilt and the sporran are a sign of friendship.”

— Hamish Husband, Tartan Army veteran (BBC)

What’s next

The Scottish national team is scheduled to play their first-round matches at the 2026 World Cup in Boston and Miami, where their fans will be able to wear their traditional sporrans into the stadiums.

The takeaway

This decision by FIFA to accommodate the cultural traditions of Scottish fans at the World Cup demonstrates a willingness to respect and celebrate the diverse identities of supporters from around the world, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for the global tournament.