The World Cup has brought an unexpected and electric cultural exchange to the Boston area, as Scottish soccer fans—known as the "Tartan Army"—have descended upon New England with an infectious energy that has captured the hearts of locals. From the bars of Jamaica Plain to the stands of Fenway Park, the presence of Scottish supporters has created a unique bond between the two regions.

A Diplomatic Bond and "Sister Cities"

The connection has reached the highest levels of city government. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced a plan to establish Boston and Glasgow as "sister cities," making the proclamation at The Haven, a popular bar-restaurant in Jamaica Plain. This move signals a desire to turn a temporary sporting event into a lasting international relationship.

The "Modest Proposal": NFL in Scotland

To ensure this newfound relationship doesn't dissipate after the World Cup concludes, there is a growing call for the NFL to involve the New England Patriots in a regular-season game played on Scottish soil. Whether hosted at Hampden Park in Glasgow or Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, such a move would mark the first time an NFL team has played in Scotland.

The Patriots are no strangers to international travel, having previously played in London, Mexico City, and Frankfurt. Bringing the game to Scotland would not only celebrate the current kinship between Boston and the Scots but also help the NFL penetrate a market with historically low exposure to American football.

Voices from the Pitch and the Stands

The impact of the Boston support was felt by the players themselves. Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson praised the warm reception of the Tartan Army in the U.S., stating: "I think that the city of Boston has taken to the Tartan Army so well, and it makes you proud. It makes you proud to be Scottish."

The fans have been equally enthusiastic. Among those attending the match against Morocco (who secured a 1-0 victory in Foxboro) were colorful characters like David Cunningham, who admitted he "sneaked" to America for the event, and John Gilmore, who embarked on a massive road trip spanning Dallas, Memphis, Nashville, and Gatlinburg before arriving in Boston.

While Scotland may not currently be an American football hotbed—highlighted by the recent folding of the Glasgow Tartans in the International Arena League—proponents argue that the current cultural momentum is too valuable to waste. By leveraging the New England Patriots' brand, the NFL could solidify a permanent bridge between New England and Scotland.