Steven Naismith revels in support for Scotland in World Cup campaign

Steven Naismith is enjoying the Tartan Army takeover of Boston in Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup.

Steve Clarke’s side began their Group C campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday and are now preparing for the second fixture against Morocco at the same venue on Friday night, before flying out to Miami to play Brazil in their final game.

The thousands of Scottish fans who have travelled to the Boston area to see Scotland in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 have made their presence felt.

“You don’t need to be on social media to see it,” said Scotland coach Naismith, who revealed defender Scott McKenna, the only absentee from the squad against Haiti, “is continuing to progress.”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke during the FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough. Picture date: Saturday June 13, 2026. PA Media

“Going back to the schedule and where we are based, how we see each day leading to the game and after the game, we have seen how amazing a country we are.

“I think that’s been a big change. We have embraced it. We want to be part of that experience.

“In terms of the players we went into Boston a couple of days early. They were roaming about the city at certain points, seeing fans.

“The connection for me has been as good as it’s been. They are not trying to stay away from it but there is also the respect that the players are here to do a job.

“The last three or four days in Boston have been brilliant, seeing how many Scottish fans are there.

“On top of that every local you speak to in Boston only has good things to say about us. It’s amazing. Long may it continue.”

Scotland's John McGinn celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Group C match at Boston Stadium, Foxborough. Picture date: Saturday June 13, 2026. — Scotland’s John McGinn celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Group C match at Boston Stadium, Foxborough. Picture date: Saturday June 13, 2026. PA Media

It was a bit of a struggle for the Scots against Haiti with a deflected John McGinn goal making the difference.

And with Morocco and Brazil drawing 1-1 in their opening game in New Jersey, the Scots find themselves top of the table ahead of their clash with the AFCON champions at the Boston stadium.

Naismith believes Scotland had to fight “nervous energy” in a game they were expected to win and which was watched by a huge Scotland support which leaves them better prepared to face Morocco.

He said: “In terms of the game it’s going to be a different game.

“The main thing in that first game was win. Secondly we knew the fans would be there in their numbers.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke (left) and coach Steven Naismith during an international friendly match at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday May 30, 2026. PA Media

“You could see it was predominantly all Scotland fans. It’s about harnessing that. I think with it being so long and with it being the first game there was a nervous energy, for sure.

“I have played and been a coach in many games when that nervous energy has been there and we haven’t stood up to the challenge.

“But I think we did. It wasn’t our best performance. If you look at Bolivia the week before (4-0 friendly win), that’s what we want to aim for. But we will take one game, one win.”