Scotland’s first fixture is against Haiti in the early hours of Sunday morning – UK time.
Scotland’s First Minister has described the atmosphere in Boston as “electric” with the Tartan Army gathering in large numbers ahead of the country’s first World Cup match in 28 years.
Mr Swinney has travelled to watch Steve Clarke’s side take on Haiti in their opening fixture of the 2026 tournament – the first World Cup the men’s team has qualified for since 1998.
He has been joined by celebrities including actor Gerard Butler, singer Clare Grogan and chef Gordon Ramsay in the Massachusetts capital ready for the team’s match against Haiti on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.
An estimated 40,000 Scotland fans have also made the trip – consuming thousands of pints of beer, wearing kilts, waving the Saltire and dressed in blue and white football kits.
Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Swinney said: “The atmosphere is electric here in Boston, it has been since we arrived.
“There are thousands and thousands of Scotland fans who have made the journey and the atmosphere is lively, it’s positive.
“It’s great weather and people are having a great time and engaging with the local community here in Boston. Everyone has had such a warm welcome from the Boston community, so its a fantastic situation to be part of.”
Mr Swinney added that Scotland’s 28-year absence at the World Cup made it “particularly precious” to be in Boston and supporting the team.
He was speaking at The Haven, a Scottish pub in Boston, for an event by the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal, which aims to donate to children’s charities in every country in which the Scotland team plays matches.
This has been achieved since 2003, with £5,000 given to a Boston project which encourages young people to take part in sport.
A spokesman for Meet Boston – a tourism organisation in the city – told the Press Association that the Scottish fans were bringing “palpable” joy.
He said: “To say the impact has been significant would be a major understatement.
“The Tartan Army is omnipresent across town and their energy and joy is so palpable.”
The spokesman described scenes posted on social media of Scotland fans celebrating ahead of the match as “absolute fire”.
He said many people had been trying to estimate the overall number of visitors from Scotland, which was about 40,000 but “could be higher”.
The Dubliner Boston, an Irish pub which has been popular with fans, had gone through 30 kegs of Tennent’s lager by Thursday, he added.
On Friday night, Mr Swinney attended events in Boston alongside celebrities including Gerard Butler – star of the movie 300 – who wore a kilt and football shirt.
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd also sported a kilt, with actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher and broadcaster Gordon Smart, also in attendance.
Also on Friday, charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson was met with cheers as he completed a 3,000-mile, kilted, charity walk across the United States in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health.
The 22-year-old completed the hike, which he started in Los Angeles in February, with a day to spare and was met by local pipers on Boston Common.
Supporters cheered and chanted “no Scotland, no party” as Mr Ferguson, who is from Paisley, Renfrewshire, reached the finish line.
Shortly before finishing his walk, Mr Ferguson learned that the Scottish Government had made a £400,000 donation to his walk, taking him to his £1 million fundraising target.
