Boston has been painted in the blue and white of the Tartan Army for weeks, as thousands of Scottish soccer fans flooded the city for the FIFA World Cup. Their infectious energy and gracious behavior left such a mark that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to return the favor — by bringing his football team to their homeland.
According to the Boston Globe via ProFootballTalk, Kraft has already spoken with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about staging a regular-season Patriots game in Scotland. While the NFL has planted flags in countries like Germany, Brazil, and Australia, Scotland has never hosted a league game. Kraft hopes to change that.
It’s not hard to see why. The passion Scottish fans brought to Boston mirrors the kind of atmosphere that could make a Patriots game in Edinburgh or Glasgow unforgettable. And with the NFL’s international schedule expanding — nine games across seven countries in 2026 alone — adding Scotland feels like a natural next step.
Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, home of Scottish rugby and formerly the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe, would be the most logical venue. It’s the largest stadium in Scotland and already has a gridiron history. Converting it for an NFL game would be easier than starting from scratch.
Still, not everyone is thrilled about the league’s global push. Some fans grumble about losing home games to far-flung destinations, and a Scotland game would likely be no exception. But Kraft, known for his bold moves — like the recent blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown — seems undeterred.
The NFL’s international series has already proven that overseas audiences crave live American football. Adding Scotland to that list would not only honor the Tartan Army’s goodwill but also tap into a passionate fan base that has already shown its love for the sport. And with the Patriots aiming for a 2026 title run under head coach Mike Vrabel, a game in Scotland could serve as a unique bonding experience for the team.
For now, it’s just an idea. But with Kraft pushing, and the NFL always looking for new frontiers, don’t be surprised if the Patriots are soon wearing their throwback uniforms under the lights of Murrayfield.
