North American police watch Old Firm match in preparation for World Cup

Officers from North America have been on a football learning tour with Police Scotland ahead of the World Cup.

Police from Canada and the USA took part in the six-day visit as part of their preparations ahead of the competition.

Football fans from across the world will be heading to 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the USA from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

There were 23 delegates in total who visited Police Scotland HQ, Hampden Park, Ibrox and attended the operations centre at Celtic Park during the Old Firm match on March 16.

Police Scotland were keen to highlight their recent policing of major events, such as the Commonwealth Games, UEFA Euro 2020, golf championships, COP26 and the Cycling World Championships.

Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie, lead for Operational Support, said: “We recognise the significance of the World Cup host nation’s law enforcement agencies looking to Police Scotland for learning and best practice.

“Policing football is increasingly challenging. We work alongside football governing bodies, clubs and the criminal justice sector to encourage deterrents for people who get involved in disorder and use pyrotechnics.

“These people have no regard for communities, no regard for the reputation of Scottish football and no regard for the vast majority of supporters who go to football to simply enjoy it.

“I hope the public can take confidence that their police service is being recognised on a global stage for our policing tone, style and proportionate approach as part of our multi-agency work to support football and other major events.”