Scottish fans react to late World Cup kick-off times
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, reports BritPanorama.
The Tartan Army will face Morocco and Brazil at 11pm in their remaining Group C matches, leading to concerns about the impact on fans who will face a series of late nights next summer.
Social media erupted with criticism regarding the scheduling, with one supporter questioning, “Nobody is going to be able to watch these games. Think weens are going to stay up to 2am?” Another commenter labeled the kick-off times “absolutely disgraceful” and noted that it was puzzling why east coast venues required such late starts.
With Scottish pubs mandated to close at 1am, many fans are seeking alternative venues, such as nightclubs, to watch the late kick-offs together. Donald Macleod, who owns popular nightspots in Glasgow, believes the tournament could serve as a boon 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 explained.
Despite the frustrations, Scotland manager Steve Clarke maintained an optimistic perspective on the draw after the announcement in Washington. “It’s good. Took a long time to get to the draw, mind, but no, the draw is fantastic,” he said, emphasizing his relief at avoiding European teams. Clarke noted the significance of competing against sides from three different continents, reaffirming the tournament’s diverse spirit.
While the scheduling may challenge fans, the allure of the World Cup remains palpable, capturing the imaginations of supporters dreaming of a victorious summer after Scotland’s first finals appearance since 1998.
