The Scottish Football Association has secured permission from FIFA for supporters to wear traditional sporrans with their kilts at the 2026 World Cup games in the United States. This agreement addresses concerns over stadium security bag restrictions. Thousands of fans, known as the Tartan Army, are expected to attend Scotland's matches in Group C.
Scotland supporters can now fully embrace their traditional attire at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. On February 25, 2026, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced it had reached an agreement with FIFA allowing sporrans—the fur or leather pouches worn with kilts—to be brought into stadiums, despite initial conflicts with U.S. security protocols.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19 and features an expanded field of 48 teams. Scotland, making its first appearance since 1998, is drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. The team will play two matches in Boston and one in Miami. Qualification came via a 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in November 2025.
Stadium rules limit bags to clear plastic ones no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches, or small opaque bags up to 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches—roughly half the size of a typical sporran. Kilts lack pockets, making the sporran essential for carrying items like tickets. Without the exemption, fans would have needed to store them in external lockers or forgo them entirely.
"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," said SFA spokesperson Graeme Thewliss.
Tartan Army veteran Hamish Husband emphasized the cultural significance: "The sporran is part of our uniform... When we arrive anywhere in the world, the kilt and the sporran are a sign of friendship."
The SFA continues discussions with hosts to ensure a welcoming environment, mirroring global experiences. Meanwhile, the Scotland squad will wear tailored suits rather than kilts, a departure from their 1998 tournament look.
