Scotland fans in Miami are hoping for a historic performance against Brazil to extend the nation’s World Cup party longer than ever before.
The Tartan Army have amassed in their thousands in Florida ahead of Wednesday’s crunch game against the five-time World Cup winners, knowing the men’s national team has a real chance of going further in the tournament than any of its predecessors.
A win against the South American giants would see Scotland progress beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time, while a draw would all but guarantee progression.
Scotland could even qualify with a loss, albeit goal difference could be key if Steve Clarke’s men fall to defeat.
The many permutations were being debated in depth by the Tartan Army as they mingled with Brazilian supporters around Miami’s famous South Beach.
Earlier on Tuesday, many of them had joined a huge parade to the beach.
The scenes were reminiscent of Scotland’s last appearance at a World Cup when the team took on Brazil in the opening game of France 98.
The party on the streets of Miami extended well into the small hours of Wednesday, with fans from both teams drinking, dancing and wishing each other luck.
Some even played five-a-sides and other street football games on Ocean Drive.
Amid the revelry, Wednesday’s match remained at the forefront of supporters’ minds, with the Tartan Army daring to dream that 2026 could be the year history is made.
Colin Thomson, 53 and from Edinburgh, is already making plans to travel to a potential round of 32 match if Scotland qualify.
“I’m here for two weeks, so if we qualify I’m going to try and go to wherever we are,” he said.
Ian Keddie, 53, from Falkirk, said Scotland fans will face a nervous wait to learn if they will qualify if they lose to Brazil.
“I think it’ll be a 3-1 result, and then as Scotland fans we’ll be biting our nails because we’re waiting for the next four days to see if we qualify,” he said.
But Connor Keddie, 18, also from Falkirk, voiced confidence that all doubt about qualification will be ended in emphatic style with a shock win against Brazil.
“I’m saying 1-0 Scotland, Scott McTominay in the 91st minute,” he said.
Keith Shields, 53, of Edinburgh, said he fears Scotland will suffer a narrow loss.
“I think it’ll be 1-0 to Brazil, I was hoping for 1-1, but I’m probably being realistic,” he said.
Seb Plait, 53, of London, who described himself as a “dreamer”, is optimistic of a Scottish upset on Wednesday.
“3-1 Scotland,” he predicted. “We’ll be 2-0 up, they get a goal back, and then at the last minute we go straight through. Then we’ll spank Germany in the next round.”
Evie Gallagher, 19, of Galston, said: “I think it’ll be a close performance from Scotland but I think they’re going to clinch it in the last minute. Scott McTominay will win it, 1-0.”
Stewart Currie, 43, from Ayr, said: “I think Steve Clarke will set up the same as the last game, it will be a stodgy performance, hopefully a 1-0 defeat, I’d like a draw, but probably something like that again.”
Michelle Park, also from Ayr, 48, said: “I think it’ll be a 1-1.”
Richard Miller, 44, from Ayr, said: “I think it’ll be a really difficult game, some of the conditions will play a big role in it, Clarke will go for a defensive game plan, hoping to counter-attack on the transitions hopefully, and then hopefully we’ll get a draw.
“We can hope for the best.”
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