Scotland captain Andy Robertson said the national team has earned the trust of its fans as the squad gathers in the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup [1, 2].
This appearance marks a significant return for the national side, which seeks to prove its competitive merit on the global stage after a long absence. The team aims to validate the support of the Tartan Army by advancing beyond the group stage.
The squad is currently stationed in the Foxborough area as they prepare for their opening Group C match against Haiti [3, 4]. Robertson said the anticipation surrounding the tournament's start feels like Christmas Eve when you're a kid [5].
Robertson said the players feel a responsibility to represent their country with pride. He said the team has earned the nation's trust to deliver on their World Cup mission [2]. This mission is underscored by the scale of support, with an estimated five million Scottish fans backing the team [6].
The stakes are particularly high given the historical context of the squad's qualification. Scotland has not appeared at a World Cup for 28 years [7]. Robertson said the team wants to prove that Scotland has more than just great fans [3].
As the tournament opening weekend approaches, the captain said the squad is mentally prepared for the challenge. He said they will leave the World Cup with no regrets [2].
“We have earned the nation's trust to deliver on our World Cup mission.”
Scotland's return to the World Cup after 28 years represents a generational shift for the national team. By focusing on the 'trust' of the fans, the squad is attempting to manage the immense pressure of a long-awaited return while leveraging the emotional momentum of the Tartan Army to fuel their performance in Group C.
