Four Police Scotland officers will travel to America to support Scotland fans at the World Cup.
The tournament is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July, 2026.
The partnership work allows Police Scotland to help the federal, state and local police understand Scottish culture, identify any risks and engage with Scotland fans to encourage a safe experience for Scottish citizens.
Two Police Scotland officers will be based at the International Police Coordination Centre and another two Police Scotland officers will travel as a moving delegation.
This standard practice for football matches already happens across the UK and Europe, and means the small moving delegation of Scottish officers will work with Scottish citizens at fan zones, transport hubs and around the stadium.
On the ground support allows face-to-face engagement, advice to fans on issues such as missing people and any safety concerns, as well as liaison with the host city police force who will be working with the event organiser as part of their operation.
It reinforces the positive relationship that continues to be built with the Tartan Army leading up to the tournament. Online and in-person briefings have been led by Police Scotland bringing together the Scottish Football Association (SFA), fan representatives, Boston, Providence and Miami Police Departments, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall said: “It’s an exciting time for Scottish football fans. Police Scotland’s role will be to act as a liaison for travelling Scotland fans at the World Cup and support event organisers in this country with safety advice at fan zones.
“For Scotland fans travelling to the World Cup, engagement and cooperation with local police will help make it an enjoyable trip. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for useful advice on travel and passports.
“For people visiting fan zones in Scotland, we are encouraging the public to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to security or the police.”
Since early 2025, American and Canadian law enforcement have been visiting Police Scotland to learn about our approach to policing major events. It involved more than 75 officers from police departments in Miami, Missouri, California, Toronto and Vancouver.
They received inputs at the Scottish Police College and Jackton Training Centre, including the role of the Scottish Football Policing Unit, a public order fan march scenario and the importance of communication, deescalation and public safety tactics. They also visited and spoke to security and safety managers at Rangers and Celtic football clubs, Hampden Park and Murrayfield Stadium.
The programme was created by Police Scotland’s International Academy after receiving several enquiries from American law enforcement agencies asking how Police Scotland handles football matches.
The Programme has been instrumental in developing the close relationships Police Scotland now have with our American and Canadian counterparts. The Police Scotland International Academy is responsible for developing and improving partnerships around the world.
