Will Scotland escape the group stages of the men’s World Cup for the first time? Even if we assume the worst, with the country’s fate now down to other results, there has at least been one highlight.
As has been well reported, the Tartan Army have won hearts across the USA. Historic ties have been strengthened with the twinning of Glasgow and Boston, and many US citizens have been calling on their Scottish ancestry to give them a reason to get in on the excitement.
Unfortunately, some hopeful fans didn’t get to experience the atmosphere, with reports of Scots and other travellers having their permission to travel to the USA through the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system cancelled. Others have had to seek visas, which are more involved and take longer, with mixed results. Even one of FIFA’s own referees from Somalia is unable to perform his duties after being denied entry to the USA.
Football is not the only sport putting athletes and their supporters on the world stage. This year there are other major international events such as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, T20 cricket world cups, and competitions in both codes of rugby. Then there is usual diet of sports, from handball to hockey and snooker to speed skating.
In almost every sport, sporting identity and the connections between athletes and the nations they represent is international – and Scotland is no different.
Even in a single household, national identity can be fluid. Footballer Lyndon Dykes, born in Australia, represents Scotland through his parents. His elder sister, born in Scotland before moving to Australia as a young child, represented Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, winning gold for gymnastics. Dkyes’ Scotland teammate, John Soutar, also has a younger sibling who represents Australia.
Although born in Australia, rugby player Sione Tuipulotu has Tongan and Scottish heritage, qualifying for the latter though a grandmother from Greenock. He could have declared for any three of those countries, but chose blue after weighing family ties and opportunity. South Africa-born Duhan van der Merwe qualified to play rugby for Scotland on residency grounds and secured citizenship earlier this year after nine years living in Scotland.
Squash gave us perhaps the most headline-grabbing switch of all when former world No 1 Peter Nicol, born and raised in Inverness and a long-time Scotland international, chose to represent England in 2001, reportedly to access better funding options. The move caused a stir at the time and is a useful reminder that identity and eligibility are not always fixed.
Tennis offers a parallel. Cameron Norrie was born in South Africa, grew up in New Zealand, then switched allegiance to Great Britain as a teenager through his Scottish and Welsh parents. In cricket, Scotland captain Richie Berrington was born in Pretoria and moved to Scotland as a child, later representing his adopted country at the highest level.
Why this matters beyond the touchline
Athletes make choices based on family history, birthplace and where life has taken them. That is true for the rest of us too. British nationality law allows dual citizenship, giving the flexibility to maintain connections to more than one country, if it is permitted by the other country. That can mean easier mobility for work and study, a wider choice of where to live, and a more resilient set of options for your family. For many in Scotland with Irish parents or grandparents, Irish citizenship can restore EU free movement and sits alongside existing Common Travel Area rights shared by British and Irish citizens.
If you are considering dual citizenship, here is a simple roadmap.
Work out your route - British citizenship may be available to children, including adult children, born outside the UK to British parents who were themselves born in the UK. There is also a path for people born in non-Commonwealth countries like the USA before 1988 who have a UK-born grandparent. Some visa routes, including family, ancestry and work visa routes, also lead to citizenship.
Check whether the other country allows it - The UK recognises dual citizenship, but not every country does. Some require you to renounce your original nationality or may strip it automatically if you acquire another. Always check the other state’s rules before you apply.
Gather documents early - An application for British citizenship will require you to provide historic birth and marriage records, which may span several generations and countries. It is a good idea to take specialist advice at an early stage.
Think about obligations as well as benefits - Holding a British passport does not carry any tax or legal obligations. Other countries have different rules – for example, as a dual US/British citizen you will still be required to pay taxes in the USA.
Plan for family knock-ons - Children may automatically acquire a second nationality, or you may need to register their birth or apply later. Timelines and rules differ by country and by where the child is born. Official nationality pages are your best starting point.
International identities and dual citizenship are not just for athletes. There are paths to citizenship for many people looking to reconnect with their heritage or explore new opportunities. The challenge is navigating the complex patchwork of immigration and nationality law, so specialist advice is essential.
Need advice on citizenship, visas or immigration status?
Whether you're exploring a claim to British citizenship through a parent or grandparent, considering dual nationality, applying for a visa, or planning a long-term move to the UK, Thorntons’ immigration specialists can help you understand your options and navigate the process with confidence.
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