For plenty of Irish supporters, backing Scotland is an easy leap. There is history, proximity and a shared sense of identity in the stands as much as on the pitch. Horan leaned into that feeling directly, framing the Scots as “our Celtic brothers” and capturing the kind of tournament-time mood that often travels faster than form guides or tactical breakdowns.
That is part of what makes major finals different. Support is not always about favourites or star names. Sometimes it is about affinity, rivalry and who feels closest when your own flag is absent.
Horan’s comments also land neatly because of his long-standing links with Scotland, including his friendship with Lewis Capaldi. That connection has stretched from social media to touring and screen work, giving the remark a little more warmth than a routine celebrity prediction.
In that sense, this is less about empty pre-tournament chatter and more about the wider carnival that surrounds a World Cup. Football always pulls in music, culture and personalities from outside the game, especially when the opening day is close enough to touch.
The update also points to ’s broader promotional push, including an official 18-track tournament album and performances tied to countdown events. That kind of crossover is standard for a modern World Cup, where the noise before kick-off matters almost as much as the action once it starts.
When the tournament opens on 11 June, the spotlight will move quickly from celebrity backing to the football itself. But until then, Horan’s pick is a reminder of one of the game’s oldest summer rituals: choosing who gets your voice when your own country is staying at home.