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7 min read Culture

A nation at play: Scotland's football story

Kings tried to ban it. Ministers condemned it. Scotland kept playing anyway. From royal decrees to the World Cup, Scottish historian Ally Heather explores Scotland's remarkable football story.
The Scottish men's national team celebrate on the pitch after beating Denmark 4-2 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on November 18, 2025.
Scotland's men's national team are heading to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

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