The gesture captures the lighter side of international football rivalry. There is no suggestion of hostility; instead, the supporters appear determined to turn unused Scotland tickets into an opportunity to cheer against England.
The report says the group includes two fathers and their sons, with the youngest supporter aged 12. Their outfits, including See You Jimmy wigs, ensure that Scotland’s presence will be visible even after the team’s departure.
For England, the Atlanta crowd will therefore carry an unusual subplot. The match may be a knockout fixture for Thomas Tuchel’s side, but it is also a chance for Scotland supporters to enjoy one final tournament occasion.
The wider Scotland story has been defined by travelling support. The report says around 50,000 fans went to Boston for the opening matches, a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat by Morocco.
Scotland’s campaign later ended with a 3-0 loss to Brazil, while other results left them outside the qualifying places for the next round. Yet supporters helped create a tournament identity through public gatherings, bagpipes, kilts and fan-zone celebrations.
That gives the Atlanta trip significance beyond the joke. Scotland may have exited early, but its supporters are still contributing to the atmosphere of the competition.
England versus DR Congo now has an extra layer of theatre. The next storyline to watch is whether the Tartan Army’s final act becomes a memorable upset celebration - or simply another colourful chapter in Scotland’s World Cup return.