In Scotland, we’re incredibly proud to have qualified for back-to-back European Football Championships. We reached the delayed Euro 2020 after more than a 20 year wait for a major tournament and we’re delighted to have qualified again for Euro 2024.
Whether you are a Scotland fan, have an affinity with Scotland or just love football, we’re excited to see everyone get behind the national team!
Football in Scotland
Football is part of every community in Scotland where it can create lifelong bonds of friendship, inspire success and has the power to bring positive change to people’s lives.
One of the initiatives focused on positive change through football is Street Soccer Scotland.
Street Soccer Scotland became a force for change to help people with a range of issues including homelessness, mental health and addiction.
The fans play their part too – with organisations including the Tartan Army Children’s Charity and Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal taking inspiration from international football to provide support for children both in Scotland and around the world.
Discover the power of football in Scotland
Discover what Scotland has to offer
Whether you’re interested in visiting Scotland, being part of our global community or exploring the power of football, Scotland has so many amazing things to offer.
Surprising facts about football in Scotland
Did you know:
- Scotland was one of the first modern footballing nations – with clubs formed as early as the 1860s.
- Scotland is a country of world-firsts, and this is also true of the sport we love. The first ever official international football match was played on St Andrew’s Day in 1872, when Scotland played England on a cricket ground in Glasgow in front of 4,000 spectators.
- The foundation stone of the World’s first enclosed purposefully built international football ground was discovered in Scotland. Find out more at Football’s Square Mile – The Hampden Collection.
- 2024 marks 70 years since Scotland took part in its first international tournament.
- Scotland is taking part in the opening match of EURO 2024, facing hosts Germany. Coincidentally, Scotland also featured in the opening game at the FIFA World Cup 1998 - the last time we qualified for an overseas international tournament.
- The world’s first penalty kick was awarded in Scotland, only 5 days after the rule was introduced by the Scottish Football Association. It was given to Airdrieonians against Royal Albert in 1891.
- Scots helped to shape football in South America – Edinburgh-educated Alexander Watson Hutton was the first ever president of the Argentine Association Football League.
Check out VisitScotland’s Germany VS Scotland competition.