The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh has sent his best wishes to the Scotland national men’s football team as they prepare for their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Boston on Saturday night against Haiti.
The Lord Provost said: “On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I want to wish the Scotland team the very best of luck in the World Cup.
“Pulling on the national jersey at a World Cup is a tremendous honour and just reward for years of hard work, commitment and sacrifice. As we know, it doesn’t necessarily come round that often – and, for many of our younger fans, this will be the first time they’ll have seen Scotland compete on the biggest stage.
“We’re particularly proud to see players from both Hearts and Hibs in the squad. Edinburgh is a city passionate about football, and seeing local talent represent Scotland on the biggest stage is something we can celebrate together.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Clarke during Tartan Week in New York earlier this year and, while I’m not sure how much notice he took of my tactical suggestions, I was pleased to wish him and the team well.
“Whether our fans are watching from the stands, the pub, or their living rooms in the early hours, Steve and the team can be assured they’ll have the full backing of the Capital.
“Good luck, Scotland! And, as if you didn’t know, no Scotland, no party!”
Watch Haiti v Scotland on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer
Watch Haiti vs Scotland on BBC One and UHD BBC iPlayer on Sunday 14 June, with kick off at 2am BST.
The BBC will have live coverage of the Group C from Boston Stadium.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Scotland play their first game at a World Cup in 28 years, as Steve Clarke’s team seek a winning start with matches still to come against Morocco and Brazil, who they met in the first game of their last campaign back in 1998.
“They sealed qualification in dramatic fashion by beating Denmark at Hampden Park last November and will be backed by huge numbers of the Tartan Army in Boston, who will be hoping for a better showing than at Euro 2024, when they exited with just one point from the group stage.
“Haiti have had to wait even longer for World Cup football having qualified for their second ever tournament, last making an appearance in 1974, when they were knocked out in the first round following defeats to Italy, Poland and Argentina.”
