THE full schedule for the 2026 World Cup has officially been revealed, and some Scotland fans aren’t pleased.
After ending a 28 year wait to qualify for the tournament, fans of Steve Clarke‘s national team partied all night at the thought of the summer event in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
But the kick off times that have now been announced are far from ideal for the viewer at home.
Group C pits us against record WC winners Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, as well as minnows Haiti.
The two tougher games will be played at 6pm EST in Boston and Miami – that’ll mean an 11pm kick off in UK time.
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Fair to say that’s a late one for those watching on TV from across the pond – games finishing at around 12:45am.
But the most winnable tie on paper, the opener against Haiti, is in Boston at 9pm EST.
That means back here in Scotland the match wont start until 2am!
It’s a nightmare for any pubs looking to show the games, and for anyone trying to organise a fanzone.
It’s a nightmare for young football fans who’ll be forced to stay up as late as nearly 4am to see their country play on the biggest stage.
And many supporters have been quick to express their unhappiness with the situation.
Scottish writer Gerry Hassan posted on social media: “FIFA are at least being consistent with no thought for football fans.
“A 2am kick-off for the home based Tartan Army is going to exclude so many fans.”
One fan pondered: “Will pubs be allowed to stay open later or are we all getting kicked to the curb before the game even starts?”
Another said ‘what an absolute joke’ while several commented the selections were ‘disgraceful’.
One wrote: “We wait 28 years…. Get shafted with a 2am kick off on the first game.”
While someone fumed: “NOBODY is going to be able to watch these games. Think weans are going to stay up to 2am??”
A supporter joked: “A wee lock in at Hampden?” while many pointed out something like this was inevitable due to the time difference.
As one accepting fan wrote: “Well it’s no the best ideal kick off times for us. But we need to bear and grin it.
“I will sleep through Saturday evening just to stay awake for the match. No sleet nor rain or snow will stop me!”
Our ‘auld enemy’ south of the border found themselves in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
England‘s fixtures in the first three matchdays will see them kick off at 9pm twice and 10pm once in UK time.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
