Scotland head coach, Steve Clarke, has advised supporters not to put themselves under financial pressure in order to follow the national team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Clarke gave the warning as members of the Scotland supporters’ club were invited to apply for match tickets for the group games against Haiti and Morocco in Boston, as well as the final group fixture against Brazil in Miami.
Speaking to BBC Scotland on Tuesday, the coach acknowledged concerns over ticket prices, which have drawn criticism from fans and observers.
“It’s going to be expensive. But it is expensive to go to America anyway. The tickets are expensive,” Clarke said.
FIFA has come under fire over ticket costs, with some fans expected to pay thousands of pounds to attend matches. Scotland supporters are currently expected to receive about eight per cent of available seats for their group games, although the Scottish Football Association is hopeful the allocation could increase in the coming months.
Clarke urged fans to be realistic about their finances, stressing that supporting the team should not come at the cost of personal hardship.
“If you can get there and you can afford to be there, then fantastic, but don’t push yourself too far into debt trying to get there,” he said.
“It’s FIFA’s tournament, they decide what they decide. The Scottish FA have taken their full allocation,” Clarke added.
Scotland will face five-time world champions Brazil in Miami on June 24. For that match, a total of 3,736 tickets have been allocated to Scotland fans, with prices listed at £198, £373 and £523.
The coach said he hopes loyal supporters, especially those who regularly travel long distances to watch the team, will be able to secure tickets at reasonable prices.
“I hope the supporters who travel to all the far-flung places can get tickets because they deserve to be there,” Clarke said.
He also revealed that demand is already high among fans planning early.
“A friend of mine has already booked his flights and he’s into me for tickets, but he’ll need to hold fire on those ones because I don’t have any at the minute,” he said.
