Scotland woke up nursing sore heads, croaky voices and aching feet on Sunday morning after a night of unforgettable celebrations sparked by their first World Cup victory in 36 years.
From Glasgow to Edinburgh, pubs erupted, beers flew through the air and strangers embraced as John McGinn’s historic winner against Haiti finally gave the nation a reason to party like it was 1990 all over again.
And with tomorrow’s special World Cup bank holiday still to come, few Scots looked ready to call time on the celebrations just yet.
Bleary-eyed supporters emerged blinking into the daylight after staying up into the early hours to witness Steve Clarke’s side edge past Haiti 1-0 in Boston, ending a wait spanning more than three decades for a victory on football’s biggest stage.
In Edinburgh, packed pubs shook to the sound of Flower of Scotland as fans draped in Saltires leapt from their seats when McGinn bundled home in the 28th minute.
The scenes were no less jubilant in Glasgow, where supporters spilled onto the streets chanting ‘No Scotland, No Party’ after the final whistle confirmed a famous victory.
Even Sir Rod Stewart was there to witness history.
The music legend, a lifelong football fanatic and devoted Scotland supporter, watched from the stands alongside two of his sons as the Tartan Army roared their team on.
From Glasgow to Edinburgh, pubs erupted, beers flew through the air and strangers embraced at John McGinn’s historic winner against Haiti
One Scottish fan held the flag as she cheered the team’s first World Cup win in 28 years
Bleary-eyed supporters emerged blinking into the daylight after staying up into the early hours to witness Steve Clarke’s side edge past Haiti 1-0 in Boston
Sir Rod Stewart, a lifelong football fanatic and devoted Scotland supporter, watched from the stands alongside two of his sons
Stewart had shared his excitement ahead of the match and was all smiles as Scotland finally ended their World Cup hoodoo.
Videos of the Tartan Army belting out Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Spanish duo Baccara also littered social media.
The song, released in 1977, became the unofficial anthem of Scotland after a video of players dancing to the tune went viral after the team qualified for the Euros in 2020.
Fortunately for many supporters, the timing could hardly have been better as Monday has officially been designated a Scottish bank holiday to mark the men’s national team’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The holiday was proposed by First Minister John Swinney and approved by King Charles earlier this year, allowing Scots to extend the celebrations after the opening match.
Scotland’s opening match came with added pressure against Haiti, the lowest-ranked side in Group C, with victory viewed as vital ahead of looming clashes against five-time winners Brazil and Morocco.
Fans in the stadium rose to the occasion with a spine-tingling rendition of Flower of Scotland as the respective national anthems were played before kick-off.
The opening stages saw chances for both sides, with Scotland going closest when talisman Scott McTominay rattled the post with a fierce effort from the edge of the area.
Underdogs Haiti had opportunities of their own early on to increase nerves among Scotland supporters, who had travelled in their thousands hoping to witness a moment they had waited decades to see.
Those nerves were finally dispelled and transformed into euphoria when McGinn struck.
Fans partied back home after the final whistle sounded at nearly 4am back in Scotland
Scotland fans have gone crazy and partied in style after watching their team triumph in Boston in their first World Cup win for 36 years
The Tartan Army turned the Massachusetts city into a sea of saltire flags, kilts and booming choruses of Flower of Scotland
Scotland’s Grant Hanley with his family following the FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Boston Stadium
The Tartan Army’s presence was felt at the Boston Stadium ahead of the tie with Haiti
Fresh from a stunning season with Aston Villa, the midfielder bundled home after Che Adams had seen an effort saved, with the ball taking a deflection off a Haitian defender before nestling in the back of the net.
As the ball crossed the line, beers were launched skywards, strangers embraced and grown men were left wiping tears from their eyes.
The celebrations inside Boston Stadium were mirrored back home.
Bleary-eyed supporters draped in Scotland flags and replica shirts hugged one another in pubs and living rooms across the country, having stayed up into the early hours to witness their nation’s return to the grandest stage.
Scotland dug in, survived and held firm to claim three points that moved them to the top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco played out a draw earlier in the day.
For the Tartan Army, however, the result mattered far more than the performance.
Cheering fans streamed out of the stadium after the final whistle, many dancing on tables in nearby fan zones as chants of ‘No Scotland, No Party’ rang out into the Boston night.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who was in Boston for the game, said the match was ‘seismic’ and said he was ‘ecstatic’ with the score.
‘This is a seismic moment for Scotland which could pave the way for the squad to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time,’ Swinney said.
‘I am absolutely ecstatic and I know people the length and breadth of Scotland will be jubilant and united in joy at this landmark win.
Scotland fans celebrated wildly after beating Haiti 1-0 on their return to the FIFA World Cup
‘I know I speak for everyone in Scotland when I say we could not be prouder of the team for what they have achieved so far.’
Swinney continued: ‘It was an honour to be in Boston to witness this historic moment on behalf of the people of Scotland and share it with Tartan Army fans from around the world.
‘The fans have once again showcased their famous warmth and openness to the world. The world is watching Scotland, so let’s make history.’
Before this year, Scotland had not qualified for the men’s World Cup since 1998.
