The roar of the Tartan Army at Gillette Stadium may have just sparked a new frontier for the NFL. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, inspired by the electric atmosphere Scottish fans brought to the World Cup in Boston, has reportedly reached out to league commissioner Roger Goodell to explore the possibility of playing a regular-season game in Scotland.
According to the Boston Globe, Kraft has already planted the seed, and the league office is listening. The idea is still in the 'conversation' phase, but it's a clear sign that the NFL's global ambitions are widening beyond traditional markets like London, Mexico City, and Germany. For a deeper look at what makes the Tartan Army so special, check out the story behind Scotland's Tartan Army.
From World Cup Revelry to NFL Possibility
Scotland played two group stage matches at Gillette Stadium during this year's World Cup, and their fans turned the Boston metro area into a sea of blue and white. The passion was unmistakable, and it left a lasting impression on Kraft, who played a key role in bringing the World Cup to North America. Now he's wondering if that same fervor could translate to American football.
Patriots reporter Mike Reiss confirmed that the discussion is still in its infancy. 'Sources with the NFL said this isn't an active situation, so it would currently fall in the conversation phase,' Reiss reported. 'The league views the possibility as appealing in the future, especially with Goodell's stated desire to expand the international schedule beyond the record nine games this season.'
This isn't just a fly-by-night idea. Kraft has already made his interest known directly to Goodell, and the Patriots have expressed a willingness to be the team that brings the NFL to Scotland for the first time. The team already has international experience, with a Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions scheduled for Munich, Germany, later this year.
NFL's Global Game Plan
The NFL has been steadily increasing its international footprint, and Goodell has made no secret of his ultimate goal: to have each of the 32 teams play at least one game abroad every season. 'That's an important mark to shoot for, and I think we're on our way,' Goodell said ahead of Super Bowl LX. 'It's the ambition we have to be a global sport, but it's also the demand we're having. We're hearing from cities that want to host these games and really want to get more American football.'
The 2026 season will feature a record nine international games, including stops in London, Munich, and Mexico City. Adding Scotland to that list would be a natural next step, especially given the country's proven appetite for live sports events. The Patriots owner's push for a Scotland game aligns perfectly with the league's broader strategy of planting the flag in new territories.
For now, the ball is in the NFL's court. Kraft has started the dialogue, and the league's interest is piqued. But as with any expansion effort, the devil is in the details—logistics, stadium availability, and fan demand will all need to be weighed. Still, the fact that the conversation is happening at all is a testament to the power of passionate fans. The Tartan Army left its mark on Boston, and now they might just help bring the NFL to Scotland.
As the league continues to explore new markets, Scotland's bid is one to watch. If the passion of the Tartan Army is any indication, Scottish fans would embrace American football with open arms—and plenty of noise.
