Scotland World Cup squad shifts culture with relaxed Boston approach in 2026

Scotland's World Cup squad in 2026 shows a relaxed, family-friendly culture shift under Steve Clarke after beating Haiti.

Cartwheels and early starts Assistant coach Steven Naismith had been joking earlier when he described Steve Clarke’s reaction to Scotland’s World Cup win over Haiti on Saturday—calling it ‘doing cartwheels down at breakfast’—but the moment reflected a broader change in the team’s atmosphere. Clarke himself admitted before this tournament that he ‘didn’t enjoy’ his previous two major tournaments as manager and promised to ‘soak it up’ while in the United States. The players have clearly received that message. Instead of heading out in Boston on Saturday night, the squad rose at dawn on Sunday to spend time with family and friends. Naismith remarked from the team’s base in Charlotte, North Carolina, that in past tournaments ‘there’s not been that’ family time, adding, ‘Just being a dad, being a husband, being a son. That’s not been there. What we’re doing now is working—and long may it continue.’ ## Clarke's relaxed tone noticed Steve Clarke, known for his reserved demeanor, has visibly relaxed during this World Cup campaign. Two weeks ago at the squad’s pre-tournament camp in Fort Lauderdale, he unexpectedly joined a pitch-side media session for a casual chat. That laid-back approach continued Friday at Boston Stadium, where he joked with journalist Eilidh Barbour before a light pre-match briefing about what he learned from Euro 2024: ‘don’t get humped.’ Naismith, who never played in a major tournament, explained that Clarke’s change comes from reflection after two tough experiences and a focus on making this one enjoyable—not just for the players, but for himself. ‘Before the tournament, there was so much work done in terms of what the players want, what they need, what they didn’t like before,’ Naismith said. ‘Bringing the families closer, having more family time, having periods of real hard work and then going to relax, taking that pressure valve off so you’re not constantly thinking of football.’ ## Fans and team bond stronger than ever The connection between the Scotland squad and the Tartan Army has reached new heights in Boston, with constant photos and videos showing players embracing the celebratory atmosphere. Injured midfielder Billy Gilmour, expected to rejoin the group in North Carolina, was spotted enjoying the ‘Scotland Celebration’ at Fenway Park on Sunday, while other players were seen walking the streets of Boston and greeting supporters. Naismith emphasized the team’s eagerness to be part of the experience, saying fans have been ‘showing how amazing a country we are.’ He added, ‘That’s been a big change.. We want to be part of that experience. We go to Boston a couple of days early, they’re roaming about the city at certain points, seeing fans, so the connection, for me, has been as good as it’s been. There’s not trying to stay away from it, but there’s also that respect on the side that the players have got to do a job here.’ ## Lighthearted moments and team morale Even logistical challenges couldn’t dampen the squad’s spirits, as shown when Ben Gannon-Doak brought laughter to the media room on Monday. The team returned to Charlotte late Sunday due to a flight delay but still attended a 9:30 PM training session, where the 20-year-old, who starred against Haiti, joked about his calves ‘leaving the stadium before I did.’ Last week, Aaron Hickey, Craig Gordon, John McGinn, and Kenny McLean also displayed upbeat attitudes. The improved openness and access go beyond humor—it includes behind-the-scenes sharing, like Liam Kelly shaving Grant Hanley’s back, and external tours outside the team’s impressive training facility in North Carolina, which features Scotland branding and inspirational quotes. The squad seems far less isolated than it did at Euro 2024, and the hope is to maintain this different approach as they chase history as the first Scotland team to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament. ## Contrast with past starts and Clarke’s humor Scotland’s opening performance this time contrasts sharply with their struggles in Germany at Euro 2024. Clarke’s lighthearted comment about avoiding being ‘humped’ reflects both his personal growth and the team’s more relaxed mindset. The squad has benefited from structured flexibility: intense training blocks followed by genuine downtime, family involvement, and fan engagement—all designed to reduce pressure. With a clear plan and a renewed atmosphere, the players are focused on continuing to do things differently as they aim to make more history in North Carolina and beyond.