Tag: World Cup 2026

Scotland’s World Cup rivals unite to give blood and save lives

A World Cup-themed blood donation event has brought together representatives from Scotland, Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in a show of solidarity, highlighting the urgent need for donors ahead of a busy summer.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gjb6obMqwU4?si=CneoGnF5C9ph-3Xs

Glasgow Blood Donor Centre saw supporters come together to donate blood side by side as Scotland prepares to face these nations on the world stage. The event used football’s global appeal to spotlight falling donor numbers and the importance of maintaining blood supplies during major national moments.

Pauline Stewart of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said: “‘Today’s session had a fun theme but a serious message. Blood donation attendance fell by over 20% following Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and fewer than 2% of the population are active donors.

‘With demand expected to increase over the summer, we need people to step forward now. While these nations will meet on the pitch, today we’re coming together for something far more important – saving lives.

‘We hope this shows how football can unite communities in a different way – with a shared goal of helping others.’

Members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday lending their support

Among those taking part was Leilani Taneus-Miller (Haiti), an Edinburgh-based writer, who attended with her children Dashiell, a footballer, and Oceane, a nurse.

Leilani said: ‘The World Cup is a global reminder of the joy, passion and progress we can achieve when we come together. I encourage as many people in Scotland and Haiti to give blood.’

Fernanda Dal Piaz (Brazil), Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh, also took part alongside Glasgow-based barber Allison Rodrigues.

Fernanda said: ‘I can’t wait for the World Cup. Football means so much to us Brazilians, and we know it means as much to the Scots too after 28 years of not being at the World Cup.

“Our two nations also have a proud belief in the importance of giving blood.’

Taoufik Mohdit (Morocco), a software engineer, joined the event and highlighted the importance of donation within his community.

Taoufik said: ‘Donating blood is something very important to the Moroccan community. I’m happy to join with my Scottish friends in saving lives, even though I will be supporting Morocco on the pitch!’

Duncan Sloan (Scotland), a taxi driver representing the Tartan Army, also attended alongside members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday, including Dexter Brady and Tyrese Ojo.

Duncan said: ‘This is a fantastic event. The Tartan Army have always been all about sticking together and looking after each other.

“I’m proud to donate blood with my new friends from Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.’

Scratchcard Wednesday member Dexter Brady said: ‘It’s really important that young people sign up as only two percent of Scotland currently donate. Blood donation is such an important cause. Mon out this summer and save lives!’

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is continuing to encourage anyone eligible to support Team Scotland by booking an appointment to give blood.

Scotland needs donations from 450 people every day to meet hospital demand, with fewer than 2% of the population currently active donors.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game kicks off on the BBC ahead of the Men’s FIFA World Cup

The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance

Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.

Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.

The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.

For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.

Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.

Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.

“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.

“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.

“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.

“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”

Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.

Scotland football team cleared for take-off!

Scotland fans urged to book early as demand begins to climb following historic World Cup qualification

Barrhead Travel is offering fans a range of exclusive tailormade packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Scotland sealed their place at the finals for the first time since 1998 during Tuesday night’s victory against Denmark.

With demand expected to quickly escalate when the fixtures are announced in early December, supporters are being encouraged to secure their bucket list trip as soon as possible.

Set to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 tournament promises to be one of the biggest in history. Scotland’s fans, many of whom have waited decades for the chance to follow their team to a World Cup, are already exploring options that combine matches with unforgettable holiday moments.

The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has already secured availability for exclusive deals packages that include flights, hotels as well as the coveted match-day experiences. Launching their range of World Cup offers last year, the group say that some football fans were already booking as early as 2024, determined to soak up the atmosphere of tournament.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, Barrhead Travel’s Managing Director, said; “Scotland qualifying for the World Cup is a moment fans have dreamed of for nearly three decades.

“We know how passionate the Tartan Army are, and they’ll do everything in their power to follow and support their team. We saw demand surge during the Euros last year – but we expect this will create even more excitement and anticipation.

“The World Cup is the ultimate bucket list experience, and every supporter will want something slightly different from their trip. With it being held across North America, we’re expecting that a significant portion of people will want to extend their trip and build the holiday-of-a-lifetime around one or more of the matches.

“Football fans were already booking up for the tournament when our product went on sale last year – so we’d encourage anyone looking to be there to cheer on Scotland in person next year to book as early as possible.

“Our teams are really excited to be supporting fans with travel arrangements and have been busy sourcing their favourite itineraries to help with inspiration.”

Barrhead Travel is offering a range of World Cup experiences – including short breaks to take in individual matches, ‘Follow-my-Team’ packages, as well as tailormade options for longer stays in North America.

Find your nearest Barrhead Travel store by visiting:

 barrheadtravel.co.uk/storelocator 

or call 0330 094 8364 for more information about World Cup experiences.

California World Cup Dreams 11 Nights Self Drive

Enjoy stays in San Francisco, Pismo Beach. Santa Barbara, Los Angeles for 3-night custom World Cup experience with Match Day included, and ending in San Diego.
Return Flights from Edinburgh From £3999 pp

2026 World Cup Custom Getaways Canada Opening game |12 June 2026 | BMO Field Toronto| Flying from Glasgow

Toronto
Departing 11 June 2026
3 Nights
Includes
International flights
Match Day experience
Quality accommodation in host city
Expert pre-travel Assistance
From £2849pp

New York Game 13 June 2026 (Match TBA) | Metlife Stadium New Jersey| Flying from Glasgow

New York
Departing 12 June 2026
3 Nights
Includes
International flights
Match Day experience
Quality accommodation in host city – New York city or New Jersey
Expert pre-travel Assistance
From £2659 pp

2026 World Cup Custom Getaways 10 Nights | Miami Game 15 June 2026 (Match TBA) | Hard Rock Stadium | Various UK Departures

Depart Manchester
10 Nights| Room Only
Date 7 June 2026
Includes
· International flights
· 3 Night Match Day experience for the World Cup game (yet to be announced) on 15 June 2026 |Quality accommodation in Miami
· 7-night pre-stay in Orlando
· 1 Day Car hire to drive between Orlando and Miami
3* Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort – perfectly located on International Drive
· Massive Water Park On-Site
· 54,000 sq. ft. canopy-covered and outdoor water park
· Features 14 slides, heated pools, and a toddler-friendly splash zone
· 3 on-site restaurants
From £3279pp.