Facebook: Lynne Connell
Family and friends of a 76-year-old Scotland fan who died before he was able to watch his country at the World Cup for the very first time are planning a special tribute in the next match.
Donny Strathie had travelled to Boston so he could attend Scotland’s second match against Morocco on June 19. However, he collapsed and died at his hotel on Sunday, June 14, after the 1-0 victory against Haiti, but before he was able to see his team play in person.
According to Strathie’s friends and family, he was a Falkirk season ticket holder and had travelled all over the world watching Scotland for years, but he had never seen them play at a World Cup, as this is the first time they’ve qualified since 1998.
Tributes paid to Scotland fan who died before his first-ever World Cup game
Following the news, his family called on fans to pay tribute to Donny with a minute’s applause in the 76th minute of the match against Morocco.
“He had his ticket to the match, and it was his dream to see Scotland in the World Cup but he never got the chance,” family friend Lynne Connell posted on Facebook, in an image promoting the tribute. “Let’s make him proud.”
“We thought, ‘What can we do to try and get Donny to the game?'” she also told BBC News. “So, we basically had this idea about the 76th minute campaign — trying to bring Donny there in spirit.”
We’ve learnt some bad news that Donny Strathie passed away in Boston on Sunday. He had a ticket for the Morocco game, but never got the chance to realize his World Cup dream.
It would mean a lot to his family if we could organise a minutes applause in the 76th minute of the… pic.twitter.com/vO4q22fFd5
— 🏴 The Tartan Army 🏴 (@TartanArmyGroup) June 16, 2026
Word spread quickly among Scottish fans and tributes have been pouring in on social media.
“RIP Donny, the boys will do you proud, and you’ll have your seat in the sky,” said one X post.
“The Revolution sends their heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the beloved Donny Strathie,” posted MLS team New England Revolution.
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There will also be a bagpipe player who will play the “Flower of Scotland” outside the hotel where Donnie died on the morning of the Morocco game, where Scotland will be looking to guarantee a place in the knockout stages with a win.
