As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, two Scottish couples have made headlines by tying the knot in Massachusetts, marking a unique blend of sport and romance during this much-anticipated event. This World Cup is notably significant for Scotland, which has qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1998, inspiring fans to embrace both national pride and personal milestones.
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One couple, Alexander Bone and his fiancée Louise, made their commitment official at Boston’s City Hall. Dressed in a traditional kilt, Alexander shared that their decision to marry in Boston was directly linked to Scotland’s participation in the tournament. The couple’s officiant customised their vows to reflect their geographical journey, asking them to commit “in sickness and in health in Boston, in Scotland and beyond.” With heartfelt responses of “I do,” the ceremony captured their unique connection to both their homeland and their current location.
The joyous celebration continued outside the city hall, where family and friends joined in singing “No Scotland No Party,” a popular tune among Scottish fans. Accompanying the celebration were the stirring sounds of bagpipes, adding a distinctly Scottish flavour to what was a remarkable occasion amidst the electric atmosphere of the World Cup.
Notably, Alexander and Louise were not the only couple with similar celebratory plans. Owen and Paula Quigley also chose to wed while attending the games, specifically in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Their ceremony came nine years after their initial engagement in 2017, and was brought forward a year to coincide with Scotland’s long-awaited qualification for the World Cup. Paula remarked that making the decision to marry during their trip felt like the perfect way to honour both their relationship and their love for their country.
The couple had originally intended to celebrate their nuptials on their tenth anniversary. However, the thrill of the World Cup prompted them to accelerate their plans. “We said if Scotland qualified, we would pull it forward a year, we’ll go to the World Cup and get married while we are over there,” she explained.
Planning their wedding from another country posed challenges, so they took to social media for assistance. Their plea reached Jim Lever, a fellow Scotsman now living in Massachusetts. Lever stepped in to help, ultimately officiating their wedding and bringing a touch of familiarity to the occasion. “I just offered help, and they were like, ‘Jim, fantastic, could you tell us about how to go about this,’” he recounted.
The Quigleys celebrated their nuptials at a picturesque seaside Airbnb, with a reception hosted at The View restaurant in Quincy. Their son, along with friends and family who were also attending the World Cup, were present to enjoy the day’s festivities. Reflecting on the experience, Paula expressed her exhilaration about the vibrant atmosphere and the sense of camaraderie among fans in Boston. “The atmosphere, the buzz in the city, is unbelievable, the fans are unbelievable,” she said.
Looking ahead, the couple plans to commemorate their honeymoon by attending Scotland’s match against Morocco. As they prepare for this shared experience, it is clear that their wedding combined personal joy with a deep sense of national pride, embodying the spirit of celebration present during the World Cup.
As more fans descend upon Massachusetts to support their teams, stories of love and marriage are sure to continue. The intersection of sporting events and personal milestones often creates memorable experiences, highlighting how the World Cup brings together not just football enthusiasts but also those celebrating profound moments in their lives.