Watching videos of Scottish fans brings immense joy. Clad in kilts, they paraded through Boston, serenading the streets with bagpipe music. In the stadium, the Tartan Army passionately cheered their team to a triumphant victory over Haiti, marking Scotland’s first World Cup win in 36 years.
Following their historic win, they attended a baseball match, transforming a Boston Red Sox game into an extension of the World Cup celebration. Sporting knee-length red socks and singing enthusiastically, they even received explanations about the rules of baseball, a sport often puzzling to Europeans.
A moving moment captured on video showed a local fan tearfully thanking the Scots “Die Welt zu Gast bei Freunden” of his life. Excitement now shifts to Miami, anticipating another wave of Scottish fans. Similarly, Norwegian and Dutch supporters leave a lasting impression wherever they travel. “The world as guests of friends” is not just a phrase; it’s a reality lived by these fans.
As the tournament director for Euro 2024, my encounters with the Scots have been heartwarming. They quickly endeared themselves to us Germans, creating lasting friendships that both sides cherish. My daughter even keeps a pin, a cherished gift from a Scottish supporter, as a memento of this connection.
When reflecting on the significance of major sporting events, I often recall the 2006 World Cup. Initially, I saw it as a defining moment in my career, illustrating the pride of playing for one’s nation and showcasing our country’s newfound openness. However, it was only through my interactions with the Scottish fans that I realized the vital role played by the visitors.
Scotland’s participation in this World Cup is a stroke of luck. They last qualified in 1998 under the previous 32-team format. This underscores the need to expand the tournament to 48 teams. Although the new format has faced substantial criticism—most notably from Aleksander Ceferin, who lamented its perceived decline in quality—many nations, including semi-finalists Morocco, have voiced their support for greater inclusion.
Ceferin’s comments reveal a disconnect between European interests and the broader global football landscape. Europe is awakening to the fact that other regions are catching up, leading to concerns about its longstanding dominance. Nevertheless, FIFA’s mission is to foster football growth worldwide, which can only be achieved through broader participation. Differences in quality must be acknowledged and accepted.
Historically, only one African nation, Egypt, participated in the first eight World Cup finals, back in 1934. The 1966 tournament saw African nations boycott due to FIFA’s failure to guarantee direct qualification amid the decolonization movement.
Football is the most popular sport in more than half the globe, and its following continues to grow. This World Cup is generating inspiring stories from every corner of the world. DR Congo managed a draw against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, while newcomers Cape Verde held European champions Spain and former World Cup winners Uruguay to similar results. For the first time, a team from Central Asia has qualified, with Uzbekistan’s coach, Fabio Cannavaro, a World Cup champion himself, celebrating the equalizer against Colombia with his player, Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
As the tournament progresses, stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland will likely regain the spotlight. However, the new structure, which features a round of 32, is making the group stage feel more like the initial rounds of a knockout tournament. While traditionalists may find this unsettling, it remains a necessary evolution.
FIFA is making significant strides, though it faces accusations of prioritizing economic growth. Every local club understands the importance of generating revenue through sporting events, and these principles apply at the highest levels as well.
Criticism should be directed where it is truly deserved, such as regarding ticket pricing. FIFA has faced allegations of not providing transparent demand figures, leveraging this to maximize profits. Additionally, the recurring proposal to host the World Cup every two years is concerning; a tournament requires adequate preparation and follow-up to create a lasting impact.
The expanded Club World Cup has further congested an already tight calendar. Adding another tournament that spans weeks and sometimes takes place in extreme temperatures raises concerns about player fatigue. How much more can these professionals realistically handle?
Particularly troubling are Gianni Infantino’s connections with influential figures like Donald Trump. The commercialization of the World Cup threatens to undermine football’s integrity, leading to growing unease among fans. It is becoming increasingly challenging for them to distinguish between FIFA and the essence of the event itself.
Football is a universally governed sport. No other event garners as much global attention for an entire month as the World Cup. Thus, this competition serves as an ideal platform for humanity to discuss how we wish to coexist. However, the sport is also being influenced by individuals with questionable agendas.
To counteract these trends, a strong UEFA and a robust European presence are crucial. Ceferin’s announcement of affordable ticket prices for Euro 2028 is a step in the right direction, ensuring that lodging and travel remain accessible. Football should not be an exclusive pursuit.
Finally, it’s essential to remember the guiding principle from the 2006 World Cup: “Die Welt zu Gast bei Freunden” (“The world as guests of friends”). That’s how I experienced it in South Africa and Brazil during my other two World Cups as a player. It’s a sentiment we should strive to uphold in future tournaments.
Philipp Lahm’s column was created in collaboration with Oliver Fritsch at the German online publication Die Zeit.
