The bond was visible outside the Bostonian Society Museum, where three young Scottish pipers attracted a crowd of Norway fans. Phones came out, donations followed and the bagpipes gave the Norwegian support a taste of Scotland before kick-off.
“We've been loving the Scotland fans,” Norway supporter Brage Ulvstad said. “The kilts are amazing, we are not used to this in Norway.”
The connection continued into the city’s bars. Around Union Street, Norway fans joined Scotland supporters in singing, with the familiar “No Scotland, No Party” chant becoming a shared celebration rather than a rival anthem.
The friendship carries extra meaning because both supporter groups understand the wait for a major tournament.
Norway are appearing at their first major finals since 1998, while Scotland last reached the World Cup in the same year. That shared history has created an immediate sense of recognition between two fanbases more accustomed to watching other nations take the spotlight.
Norway supporters described both countries as underdogs, while Scottish fans have brought energy despite not being involved in the match itself. The result is a relaxed, open atmosphere built around songs, hospitality and football stories.
The camaraderie has also brought practical advice. Scottish supporters warned their Norwegian counterparts to expect long queues and difficult journeys around the stadium, drawing on their own experience of travelling to matches.
That exchange captures the mood in Boston: Scotland may not be playing, but its supporters have helped shape the occasion. Norway fans now head towards Gillette Stadium with optimism, including one prediction of a 2-0 victory.
The next chapter will be decided on the pitch. Whatever happens against Iraq, the scenes in Boston have already given Norway’s World Cup return a distinctly Scottish welcome.