World Cup

"It's a match made in heaven," a visitor from Glasgow, Scotland said.

The Tartan Army has taken over Boston for the World Cup. Now, Boston and a Scottish city are taking things a step further.

Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent Thursday to establish Boston and Glasgow, Scotland, as “sister cities” beginning next year, a move aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two communities.

“Boston is clearly the best city for the World Cup right now. That is thanks in large part to the Tartan Army,” Wu said, while announcing the partnership at The Haven, a Scottish restaurant in Jamaica Plain. 

Wu was greeted by bagpipes and cheers — scenes that have become increasingly familiar across Boston since Scotland’s arrival for the tournament. The Tartan Army has made its presence felt throughout the city, with kilt-wearing fans filling bars, trying local foods, and making cultural connections with residents. 

“What has been most beautiful about this whole experience is not just seeing fans who are just as passionate about your teams, your heritage, your culture as Boston fans are, but then seeing those connections built across different cultures,” Wu said. “Finding ways we’re sharing in the sense of connection — that can feel so far in the world right now.” 

Boston currently has 11 “sister cities,” among them Hangzhou, China, and Praia, Cape Verde. The program is designed to foster international understanding and goodwill through long-term partnerships between communities in different countries.

Wu said she spoke by phone Thursday with Glasgow Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren about the similarities shared by the two cities. The agreement is expected to be formally signed next April when McLaren visits Boston for Tartan Day celebrations.

“This type of agreement will make sure that you always see Boston as a home base,” Wu told the crowd. “We want you to come back again and again and again.” 

Tourism officials estimate roughly 50,000 Scottish supporters have descended on Greater Boston for the World Cup, turning the city into a temporary home away from home. Many have embraced local traditions — from singing along at Fenway Park to exploring Boston neighborhoods — while sharing pieces of Scottish culture in return. 

For visitors such as Cameron Duncan, a 22-year-old from Glasgow attending the tournament with his brother, the proposed partnership feels like a natural next step.

“It’s a match made in heaven,” said Duncan. “Everybody here’s been really friendly. It’s made us feel really welcomed.”

Boston resident Ada Nicodemus, 21, said she welcomed the effort to connect Boston with communities abroad.

“It’s super cute to connect the city with other places in the world,” she said. “It’s a really cool initiative.