World Cup 2026: Tartan Army 'will win many US fans' - and Trump to back Scotland?

The London-based official said ahead of the draw on Friday that the president might root for Scotland as well as the US side.

Asked by The Scotsman, he said: "The president has great affinity for Scotland with his family history - we will see.

"Obviously, he is going to be a USA supporter first and foremost."

However, the spokesperson predicted that Scotland fans would be a big hit when they arrived in the US.

He said: “I think the brand of football that Scotland plays, the excitement that the Tartan Army always brings to games, I think you will win over a lot of American fans this summer.

"We are really excited that Scotland is going to join the party."

The Scottish Tourism Alliance has already urged fans to “make lots of friends” and encourage them to come to Scotland on holiday.

US Embassy officials advised Scotland fans travelling in kilts to ensure they were “safe and secure”.

In reference to sgian dubhs, they warned supporters against carrying anything that looked like a weapon.

Last year, Edinburgh Airport advised fans heading for the Euros not to carry sgian dubhs in their hand luggage through security, or to leave them at home.

It said sporrans were also "not particularly great for the screening process” because they had to be taken off and reattached.

Fans travelling to the World Cup were advised to check regulations on the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

A US Embassy official said: “The common theme here is ensuring anyone getting on an aircraft or going through the airport or train station is safe and secure.

“If anything could mimic or look like a weapon, explosive or incendiary, please, if you’re thinking it, it probably should not be on your person or in your accessible property.”

They added that anyone travelling with animal products should check the US Customs and Border Protection website.

The officials also urged fans to apply for entry to the US early because demand would be “huge and potentially unprecedented”.

Under the US’s visa waiver programme, most visitors can apply online for a two-year Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) pass to enter the US, which costs $40 (£30).

An official said: “If you know you are coming, go ahead and apply - it will still be valid. Do not leave it till just before your trip

“Apply now because we expect the demand to be huge and potentially unprecedented.”

An Esta is also needed to transit through the US, such as en route to World Cup games in Canada and Mexico.

The US Embassy said 5-7 million people were expected to head to the World Cup, and would be travelling through some airports already busy with US holidaymakers, so fans should leave extra time.

It said: “As we continue into the summer season, we will start competing with the summer travel that will occur.

“Once you’re in the US and bouncing around the 11 cities, we will see the competing priorities of families going to Disney World versus everyone going [elsewhere] - that’s something to consider.”