Approval for Sporrans at World Cup
The Tartan Army have received official approval to wear sporrans with their kilts during World Cup matches this summer, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has confirmed.
Thousands of supporters are expected to travel to the United States to support Steve Clarke's team, following Scotland's qualification for the men's national team at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Stadium Bag Policy and Security Measures
The World Cup stadium code of conduct restricts ticket holders to bringing only certain types of bags into the venues. Initially, sporrans did not meet the strict security criteria set by the organizers.
However, after discussions between FIFA, the global governing body of football, and the SFA, an agreement was reached allowing fans to wear sporrans inside the stadiums.
Scotland’s World Cup Fixtures
Scotland is scheduled to play against Haiti and Morocco in Boston, and Brazil in Miami. The team secured their place in the finals with an exciting 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in November.
2026 World Cup Details
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and take place from 11 June to 19 July across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Bag Size Regulations
Current regulations at the Boston and Miami stadiums allow only large bags made of clear plastic that do not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches (30cm x 30cm x 15cm). Small bags that are not transparent must be no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches (11cm x 16.5cm), which is nearly half the size of many traditional sporrans.
Without the recent agreement, Scotland fans would have been required to leave their sporrans in lockers outside the stadiums or discard them entirely.
Official Statements
"FIFA have confirmed that sporrans will be permitted into the stadiums following the standard search and inspection procedures and will continue to work together with the Scottish FA to educate their matchday staff as they prepare to welcome fans to Boston and Miami."
"The ticketing and membership team at the Scottish FA are in continued dialogue with the tournament hosts to ensure that the Scotland fans will be welcomed to venues in the way they have been across the world."
Team Attire for the World Cup
This agreement coincides with the announcement that the Scotland squad will wear tailored suits for their World Cup return. In 1998, the team, managed by the late Craig Brown, wore kilts ahead of their opening match against Brazil in Paris.
Last month, the SFA confirmed that a Glasgow-based tailor will produce "sharp, made-to-measure suits" for the players and backroom staff for the upcoming tournament.
