Morning Sports Update

"We've got to get back to the good American side."

By Hayden Bird

June 18, 2026 | 11:29 AM

2 minutes to read

The Scots are already loyal Bostonians: As if the Tartan Army hadn’t already endeared themselves enough to Boston, they’ve now started to weigh in on the eternal local rivalry with New York.

Though Scotland will play a second World Cup group stage game at “Boston Stadium” on Friday (following their 1-0 opening win over Haiti on Saturday), many of their fans have taken days in between to explore other parts of the host nations.

When several Scottish fans were interviewed in New York City, however, it produced a soundbite that will make Bostonian hearts soar. Asked by ESPN’s Katie Feeney what their early impressions were of New York City, one Scot had quick conclusion.

“I’ve noticed it’s not as good as Boston,” he joked.

Feeney noted that the Tartan Army have already become beloved members of the local community in Boston since arriving last week.

“They don’t want us to leave,” said another Scottish fan.

Still, the inevitably good-natured Scots were far from anti-New York.

“The people are good,” added a younger fan when asked about the New Yorkers (who themselves were in a deservedly jubilant mood prior to the Knicks’ victory parade on Thursday).

“Very friendly, very welcoming.”

But looking ahead to Friday’s game against Morocco in Foxborough, the Scots had only one destination in mind: Getting back to Boston, the place that’s become home territory.

“We’ve got to get back to the good American side.”

Trivia: What longtime NFL kicker was born in Arbroath, Scotland?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He kicked his first official NFL field goals for Washington in 2009, and more recently played for the Giants in 2025.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays 3-0 on Wednesday. The two teams play again at Fenway Park this afternoon at 1:35 p.m.

In the World Cup today:

• Czechia vs. South Africa at 12 p.m.
• Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m.
• Canada vs. Qatar at 6 p.m.
• Mexico vs. South Korea at 9 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

• Struggling Red Sox are shut out at home by Blue Jays 3-0
• Bruins to retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37
• FIFA Fan Festival canceled on Thursday due to impending severe weather
• Vancouver Goldeneyes select US Olympian Caroline Harvey with the 1st pick in the PWHL draft
• Fan who traveled to Boston from Scotland for World Cup dies suddenly before getting to see match
• Thanks to Erling Haaland, Boston Stadium witnessed greatness at the World Cup
• An approachable World Cup guide: Ghana

Chara’s rollout of Bergeron’s jersey retirement: Zdeno Chara helped with the announcement from the Bruins that Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 jersey will be retired.

The boys are back in town: The Scottish national team has returned to Boston from their North Carolina base camp in advance of Friday’s World Cup game against Morocco in Foxborough.

On this day: In 1975, Fred Lynn had one of the greatest days a Red Sox hitter has ever produced. In a 15-1 Boston win over the Tigers, Lynn went 5-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

Daily highlight: Colombian right back Daniel Muñoz made the perfect run, and (fed by a perfect Luis Diaz pass) then scored one of the more skillful goals of the World Cup so far in the South Americans’ 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Trivia answer: Graham Gano