Historic Scotland Football Team in the World Cup 2026!

Have you heard?! Our national football team has made it to the 2026 World Cup, the first time in decades and we couldn’t be more proud!

As we look toward the excitement of the 2026 World Cup, we are delighted to share a special guide from a dear member of the WeeBox family: Perth’s own Iona MacGowan.

Known to many as @instaiona, she has become the definitive voice for the Scottish diaspora in the States. Whether she’s reporting from Tartan Week or sharing the “dreamy” encounters of interviewing icons like Sam Heughan, Iona’s mission is simple: bringing Scottish communities together, no matter how many miles lie between them.

⚽ Iona’s “Tartan Army” Survival Guide

Based on video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWHJUgzjXhi/

For those making the pilgrimage stateside this summer, Iona has curated her “can’t-miss” tips to ensure your Boston experience is as smooth as a dram of aged malt.

The Logistics: Know Before You Go

• The ESTA: Don’t let your journey end at the boarding gate! Scots require an ESTA to enter the USA. It’s a straightforward online process (approx. £17) and usually takes about 3 days.
• The Foxborough Factor: While we call it the “Boston” stadium, Gillette Stadium is actually 40 minutes south in Foxborough. Iona’s top tip? Take the Commuter Rail from South Station—it’s the best way to soak up the pre-match atmosphere with fellow fans.
• A Savvy Stay: With city prices soaring, look toward Providence, Rhode Island. It’s just 30 minutes away by train and offers a much friendlier price tag for your base camp.

🍻 Where the Community Gathers

If you’re looking for a taste of home in New England, look no further than The Haven. As Boston’s only Scottish pub, it has officially declared itself the “Unofficial Tartan Army HQ.” Expect Tennent’s on tap, whisky tastings, and a sea of saltires.

For a truly “best of both worlds” experience, Iona recommends the Scottish Celebration at Fenway Park on June 14th. There is something magical about seeing Scottish culture celebrated in America’s most beloved baseball cathedral—plus, the limited-edition Red Sox x Scotland jersey is a must-have souvenir!

🌊 Beyond the City Walls

If you have a day to spare between match’s, Iona suggests trading the city bustle for the coast. The best part? You don’t even need a car.

Salem is a city on the north coast of Massachusetts above Boston. It’s famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. A quick 39-minute train ride takes you to the heart of witch trial history and “Hocus Pocus” magic.                                         

• ⛴️ Take the @citycruises ferry from Long Wharf.                                                                                                                                                     
•  🥐 Fuel up @ajkingbakery.
• 🚃 Get the lay of the land with a @salemtrolley tour.
• 🌸 Explore the gorgeous gardens at the Ropes Mansion @peabodyessex
• 🚶‍♀️ Hit up the “Bewitched” statue, the “Hocus Pocus” house, and the @witchhousemuseum along the Salem Heritage Trail.
• 🛍️ Shop the witchy (and non-witchy) shops @modernmillievintage @hauswitch @witchcitywicks
• 🍕 Finish up with a pie from @livelongandpizza

Manchester-by-the-Sea is a coastal town on Cape Ann, in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is known for scenic beaches and vista points. According to the 2020 population census, the population is 5,395.”

We did this ENTIRE beach day for less than $60.Here’s our itinerary:

• 🚂 $10 @mbta_cr weekend pass
• 🍪 Matcha latte and a sweet treat from @laughing.gull
• 📚 Secondhand shopping @se_consignment and @manchesterbythebook
• 🏖️ Listen to the sand at Singing Beach @manchesterbythesea
• 🍨 Grab a scoop @captaindustysofficial

Portland is just 2 hours by bus from Boston , this is FOODIE HEAVEN!

“Portland, Maine is popular for combining a charming, historic working waterfront with a top-tier culinary scene, frequently ranking among the best small cities in the U.S.. Visitors are drawn to the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, abundant breweries, scenic Casco Bay, and the iconic Portland Head Light.”

🦞✌️ Get in losers, we’re going to Portland!

Summer day trip season is in full swing, so here’s how we’d spend a perfect day in Portland, Maine, from Boston (no car required!)🚌 Bus ride via Concord Coach Lines

🥐 Pastry crawl @zubaker, @standardbakingco, and @holydonutmaine

🥕 Peruse the @portlandfarmers

⛴️ Explore @peaksislandinfo

🦞 Devour a lobster roll from @highrollerlobsterco, @eventideoysterco, or @js_oyster

🍨 Enjoy a scoop from @gorgeousgelato

Whether you are traveling for the football or simply to explore our lasting connection to America, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for the global Scottish family.

Keep up with Iona’s adventures across the 50 states at @instaiona.