Scotland punched their ticket to the World Cup on Tuesday night, ending 27 years of heartbreak following a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark.
While the Tartan Army have yet to learn when and where the national team will begin their North American campaign, the Scottish Greens have called on the government to ensure supporters can enjoy the first match from home.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay has asked the Scottish Government to proclaim a bank holiday on the day of the team's opening World Cup match.
Mackay noted that Scotland has just nine bank holidays each year, less than many other European countries (but one more than England and Wales).
She said: “Last night was a long overdue and historic result for Steve Clarke and his players, even if the last 15 minutes were a rollercoaster.
“There are millions of us looking forward to seeing our men’s team playing on the biggest stage. Lots of people will already be counting down and thinking about how they can make sure they get the day off work.”
Supporters will be informed about Scotland’s initial matches on 5 December, when the group stages are drawn at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC.
The 2026 World Cup will be played at 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July.
Mackay added: “Football is for all of us. What better way to bring the country together than to make it a bank holiday and ensure that as many people as possible have the chance to watch it?”
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Meanwhile Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said pubs must receive “special dispensation to show their matches in the event that they are scheduled for late at night”, as kick off times are expected to be at 5pm, 8pm, 11pm and 2am.
The Lib Dem leader said: “After years of heartache, what a night and what a way to show we belong on the biggest stage of all.
“While a lucky few head over the Atlantic, the appetite for watching Scotland’s games back here is going to be off the scale. I want to see the government and councils work together to give fans the best experience.”
