Ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, a squad of recognisable names took to the pitch in Edinburgh for a one-off match against the Scotmid Brazil squad.
To celebrate Scotland’s return to the World Cup, Scotmid staff, customers, suppliers, family and friends came together to make up a Scotland and a Brazil team.
Those playing for Scotland bore more than just a passion for the game – many of them shared a surname with the squad preparing to take on Brazil on 24 June.
Taking to the pitch were Gunn, McGinn, Ferguson, Ralston, Christie, Stewart, Robertson, Tierney and McKenna, who came together from across the country, united by their passion for football – and a desire to win.
Friends and family cheered from the stands as the match got underway and were treated to a energetic and exciting 90 minutes, which ended in an 11-9 victory for Scotland. Each player received a medal and a goodie bag packed with a range of Scottish favourites, with the winning team lifting the prestigious Champions Trophy.
The event celebrated Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving customers a day to remember through a celebration of community pride and national excitement.
Lauren Rafferty, Commercial Development Coordinator at Scotmid, said: “Scotland reaching the World Cup is a huge moment. We wanted to mark it in a way that would bring people together and give our customers their own moment on the pitch.
“It’s a bit of fun but it also reflects what Scotmid is all about: community, local pride and creating moments that people can enjoy together.”
While the result on the pitch may still be up for debate among those involved, the success of the event was clear, exciting the players for Scotland’s campaign – and a hope that their result is a foreshadow of Scotland’s World Cup success!
