Screenshots via Instagram/@sincerely.catalina, @berryface
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Miami, prepare yourselves. Fans of the Scotland national football team, called the Tartan Army, have officially landed in South Florida. And if Boston’s experience is any indication, the next few days are about to be full of kilt-rocking men.
Thousands of supporters of the Scotland national team have landed in Miami ahead of Scotland’s highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Brazil. The official match goes down at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday, June 24. And they aren’t arriving quietly.
If you’ve somehow missed the viral videos, Scotland soccer fans took over Boston last week. They packed pubs, took over Fenway Park, marched around with bagpipes, and managed to charm just about everyone they encountered. They even raised money for local charities and managed to drain some pubs of their beer supply.
Now it’s Miami’s turn.
Where did the Tartan Army come from?
Known around the world as the Tartan Army, Scotland’s famously devoted fan base has built a reputation that goes far beyond soccer. While many national team supporters are known for creating intimidating atmospheres, the Scots have become beloved for doing the exact opposite. Their unofficial motto may as well be “make friends everywhere you go.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Miami is already deep in World Cup fever. Argentina jerseys are everywhere. Sports bars have transformed into mini stadiums. Entire friend groups are planning their work schedules around kickoff times. Adding thousands of kilt-wearing Scottish fans to the mix feels like the most Miami World Cup development imaginable.
Plenty of festivities have already begun. Continue reading for a first-hand look at Miami’s Tartan Army takeover.
Monday, June 22: The Tartan Army takes over Little Havana and a Marlins game
On Monday, June 22, thousands of Scotland supporters marched through Little Havana before heading to loanDepot Park for the Marlins game. Bagpipes echoed through Calle Ocho, Billy the Marlin joined the celebration, and for a few hours it felt like Glasgow in Miami.
The party officially began at 2 p.m. at Ball & Chain in Little Havana, where an estimated 5,000 Scotland supporters gathered before heading to the ballpark. Then, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Tartan Army left Ball & Chain and marched to loanDepot Park for the Miami Marlins game. They headed on Southwest 15th Avenue from Eighth Street, transforming the route into a sea of kilts, Scotland jerseys, and waving flags.
Following the parade, 8,000 Scotland supporters purchased tickets for the 6:40 p.m. Marlins game, turning Monday night’s matchup into an unofficial Tartan Army reunion. The ballpark even sold a “Tartan Army Ticket Package,” which included beer. Fans took part in pregame festivities, walked the warning track, and enjoyed a bagpipe performance before settling into their seats.
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
What it was like following the Tartan Army through Miami
Arriving at Calle Ocho in Little Havana on Monday was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The neighborhood was bustling with laughter, giant smiles, and larger-than-life personalities. Locals were mingling with Scotsmen, groups of visitors were swaying their hips to live music at Ball & Chain, and for one moment it seemed like the happiest place on earth.
The excitement could be felt from miles away, where Scots were seen chanting and playing bagpipes as they walked towards loanDepot Park for the ballgame against the Texas Rangers. I’ve never seen more Miamians mingle with strangers in my life (finally)!
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
The energy at loanDepot Park for the Marlins game was unbelievable. I’ve never run into so many friends on a Monday night in Miami. They all knew something special was happening, and boy, were they right.
The Scots are such a welcoming group of people, and they immediately blended in with the locals. Despite many of their beautiful tartan kilts, you couldn’t even tell Scots apart from Miamians. It was as if we had all known each other our whole lives. I’m already dreading their departure!
Photos by Natasha Yee
Tuesday, June 23: The Tartan Army takes over Miami Beach
On Tuesday, June 23, the Tartan Army continued its orange traffic cone-wearing and kilt-rocking takeover with another march. This time, thousands of Scotland national football team fans took over Miami Beach with an official march through Ocean Drive.
Ocean Drive saw a sea of blue and white as Scotland’s legendary supporters paraded down the world-famous street, starting at 14th Street.
The passionate Scottish fans filled Ocean Drive with incredible energy, all led by bagpipe players.
Thank You Miami photo
Best bars to run into Scottish fans this week
Local gathering spots for Scotland fans have emerged all across South Florida.
Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in Hollywood and Elbo Room have become unofficial headquarters. Supporters are also gathering at bars throughout Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach before Wednesday’s match.
Thank You Miami bar is one of the closest bars to loanDepot Park. Expect plenty of Scotland supporters stopping by Monday through Wednesday.
For a complete guide to the best Tartan Army bars, check out this new list New Times is updating every hour.
From Scotland to South Beach, welcome to Miami Beach and good luck tomorrow!
This story will be updated throughout the week as Scotland supporters continue arriving across South Florida ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup showdown against Brazil.
