BOSTON — Thousands of Scottish soccer supporters have packed bars and restaurants across Boston during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting some establishments to report beer shortages and unusually high sales volumes as Scotland's matches drew large crowds of visiting fans to the city.
The influx of supporters, known collectively as the "Tartan Army," intensified after Scotland's 1-0 victory over Haiti in a Group C match on June 13. Local businesses said demand surged throughout the week as fans gathered in downtown pubs, attended World Cup-related events and participated in organized marches across the city.
Several Boston bars reported running out of popular beer brands. The Samuel Adams Downtown Boston Taproom said Scottish fans consumed more than four times the volume of Boston Lager typically sold during a comparable holiday period, requiring emergency deliveries to replenish supplies. Other establishments, including Hennessy's Bar and the White Bull Tavern, also reported shortages, according to local media and company representatives.
"We've been here for over 30 years, and we've never seen anything like it," Noelle Somers, chief operating officer of Hennessy's Bar, told local media after the venue experienced record demand.
Bar managers said they had prepared for crowds comparable to Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations but found demand exceeded expectations. Brian McDonnell, manager of the Dubliner, told Boston television station WFXT that business was significantly busier than anticipated despite advance planning.
The Scottish presence extended beyond bars. Thousands of supporters marched from Evans Way Park to Fenway Park for a Scottish-themed event hosted by the Boston Red Sox, while others gathered at fan zones and public events across the city. Local officials and business owners said the visitors generated substantial activity for hospitality and tourism sectors.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu welcomed the visitors and praised their engagement with local businesses, according to Reuters. City officials did not report any major public safety incidents directly linked to the fan gatherings.
As Scotland prepared to face Morocco on Friday, bars and distributors said additional beer shipments had arrived and supply concerns had eased. Businesses reported continuing strong demand from supporters remaining in the city ahead of the next World Cup fixture.
