In Boston, the beer is practically sold out, and it's the Scottish fans' fault. The famous Tartan Army, as the Scottish fans are known, recognizable by their kilts and hats with the traditional checkered pattern (tartan, in fact), has invaded the streets and pubs of the Massachusetts capital. This unstoppable enthusiasm is sparked by Scotland ‘s results in the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. And if the World Cup is also a concentration of joy and folklore, the Scots have decided to celebrate in their own way: by drinking – in an always peaceful and jovial manner – all the beer available in the bars and pubs of Boston.
"Never Seen Anything Like It", Say Boston Bar and Pub Owners
Scotland got their 2026 World Cup campaign off to a flying start, defeating Haiti 1-0. With this victory, the Scottish team has a chance of booking a place in the knockout stages of football's most prestigious competition, a feat they've never achieved before. After the match against Haiti, the sporting fervor transformed into a giant party in the streets of Boston, where the huge Scottish crowd (around 20,000 people, according to local media) began to have their own way of having fun, chugging a good beer while singing and laughing.
"We're out of everything, everything," said Paul Morris of White Bull Tavern. "I've never seen anything like it," said Billy DeCain of Sam Adams Boston Taproom, explaining that the taproom ran out of lager over the weekend due to Scottish fans. From Thursday to Sunday, the company said, the Tartan Army consumed four times as much Boston lager as it normally sells during a typical four-day holiday period, such as Independence Day. Finally, Federal Wine & Spirits, located in Boston's Financial District, said it ran out of Budweiser and Corona last Saturday, and that its refrigerator doors broke from excessive use.
The only pub prepared to quench the Tartan Army's thirst was The Haven, as it expected a huge demand, being a Scottish pub. For the occasion, it ordered 150 kegs of beer, equivalent to approximately 16,000 pints. Despite this enormous alcohol consumption, the atmosphere was always pleasant, lighthearted, and peaceful. The owners of these establishments greatly appreciated the behavior of the Scots, who even raised and donated nearly $30,000 to local charities as a token of gratitude for their hospitality.
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