A Scottish entertainment presenter said the nation has “a better chance than we think” at qualifying for the next stage of the World Cup.
Jodie McCallum, 34, is a freelance TV host, known for her work with the BBC, ITV and ITN, having interviewed celebrities including Robert DeNiro, Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt.
She has temporarily swapped TV presenting to produce content for the social media channels of The Haven, Boston’s only dedicated Scottish bar, which held an enormous watch party for the nation’s debut World Cup 2026 match against Haiti, which Scotland won 1-0.
Ms McCallum has been interviewing customers and staff at the bar while the Tartan Army takeover of the city has taken place, stating: “I’m soaking up all the atmosphere.
We don't know when Scotland are going to be back in the World Cup, so now is our time, this is the dream
“I’m an entertainment girlie normally but I’ve done a bit of a side-quest to come here and capture the atmosphere of the fans, because this is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We don’t know when Scotland are going to be back in the World Cup, so now is our time, this is the dream.”
Commenting on Scotland’s appearance in the World Cup, she added: “I was six the first time, so obviously I don’t remember it, but as soon as we got the draw, I thought, ‘we have to go, we’ve got to be a part of it.’
“It’s been 28 years, we’ve got to support the boys, you know what I mean?
“I know a lot of people put us down, and I think we probably put ourselves down the most, but actually, considering we absolutely hammered Bolivia, I think we’ve got a better chance than we think.
“We might be the underdog, but I think we’re going to do alright.”
Our people are just the best in the world, and to see us all coming together stateside, everybody looking after each other, flying the Scotland banner, having the patter, it makes you so proud
On the atmosphere around the World Cup, she said: “It’s just electric, it feels euphoric and like a nation coming together, all supporting each other.
“Our people are just the best in the world, and to see us all coming together stateside, everybody looking after each other, flying the Scotland banner, having the patter, it makes you so proud.”