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Scotland's supporters have become one of the standout attractions of the 2026 World Cup, turning heads everywhere they've travelled.
After filling the streets of Boston with kilts, songs and smiles before their opening match, the Tartan Army descended on Miami in their thousands, once again earning praise for the atmosphere they've created.
But where did the famous nickname come from, and why are Scotland's travelling fans so admired around the world? FootballGroundGuide takes a look.
Why are Scotland fans called the Tartan Army?
Scotland's football supporters have been known as the ‘Tartan Army' for almost 50 years.
The nickname emerged during the 1970s as increasing numbers of Scotland fans began travelling to international matches, particularly at Hampden Park and away fixtures, dressed in kilts, tartan hats and blue-and-white scarves.
The name combines ‘tartan' – the distinctive patterned cloth that has become one of Scotland's best-known national symbols – with ‘army', reflecting the organised, passionate and vocal following that travelled in large numbers to support the national team.
As Scotland qualified regularly for major tournaments throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Tartan Army quickly became one of world football's most recognisable travelling fanbases.
How did the Tartan Army become famous?
The Tartan Army first gained widespread attention during the 1970s, although not always for positive reasons.
One of the most infamous incidents came after Scotland's famous 2-1 victory over England at Wembley Stadium in 1977, when thousands of supporters invaded the pitch, damaging goalposts and sections of the turf.
In response to concerns over supporter behaviour, the Scotland Travel Club was established in 1980, later evolving into today's Scotland Supporters Club.
The initiative encouraged responsible travelling support and helped transform the reputation of Scottish fans over the following decades.
By the 1990s, the Tartan Army had become known less for disorder and more for their friendliness, humour and willingness to celebrate with supporters from every nation.
Their behaviour earned international recognition, including fair play awards at Euro 1992 in Sweden and the 1998 World Cup in France.
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Why is the Tartan Army so popular today?
Today, the Tartan Army is regarded as one of football's most respected and admired supporter groups.
Their trademark kilts, tartan clothing, bagpipes and self-deprecating humour have become synonymous with Scotland at major tournaments, while fans are also widely praised for their charitable fundraising and positive interactions with local communities.
The atmosphere they create often extends well beyond stadiums, with city centres transformed into festivals of Scottish music and colour wherever the national team plays.
That reputation has been on full display throughout the 2026 World Cup.
Thousands of Scotland supporters first took over the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox before the opening group game, and have since repeated the feat in Miami before their defeat to Brazil, filling bars and fan zones with songs and creating one of the tournament's defining spectacles.
Their impact has even caught the attention of influential figures in American sport.
According to the Boston Globe, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was so impressed after meeting Scotland supporters in Massachusetts that he expressed a desire to bring his NFL team to Scotland for a future game.
With Scotland still drawing huge crowds wherever they go, the Tartan Army have become one of the defining stories of this World Cup – a reminder that tournaments are shaped not only by the players on the pitch, but by the supporters who bring them to life.