The story of Celtic visiting United States and Canada

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The Celtic Star

·13 January 2026

The story of Celtic visiting United States and Canada

Today is the deadline for any Scottish fans who want to apply for tickets for this summer’s World Cup. The tournament will take place across the USA, Canada and Mexico, three countries in which Celtic have played at different times, starting back in 1931…

Scotland v Brazil World Cup France 1998 Scotland supporters celebrate during the opening June 1998 game of the World Cup against Brazil at the Stade de France in Paris. Photo David Ashdown/IMAGO

Over the decades, the Celts have made numerous transatlantic trips, including some memorable and even controversial events.

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This article tells the story of the Celts in the Americas.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1931

On 25 June 1931, Celtic went to the University of Detroit and faced the Michigan All-Stars, with the Hoops winning 5-0. This was the club’s first floodlights experience. Photo The Celtic Wiki

The Bhoys’ first trip across the Atlantic was in 1931. Thousands of fans went to Yorkhill Quay in Glasgow to wave off their heroes. The Celtic party travelled on the SS Caledonia, which would later be sunk during the Second World War, under the name HMS Scotstoun.

During a US and Canadian tour, Celtic played 13 games, winning nine, drawing one and losing three. The Bhoys appeared at various grounds, including famous Baseball stadia such as Wrigley Field in Chicago and Fenway Park in Boston.

Bertie Thomson flanked by “Peter” McGonagle left and Peter Scarff, right. 1931 North American tour. Photo The Celtic Wiki

This was a notable trip for different reasons, including being the first time that Celtic played under proper floodlights (against a Michigan XI at the University of Detroit Stadium).

Also on this visit, the Bhoys played against Joe Kennaway, who would later sign for Celtic in place of the tragic John Thomson, who died just weeks after returning from America.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1951

Glasgow Celtic captain John McPhail (right) with his American counterpart prior to the match against the American All Stars soccer team at Triborough Stadium in New York City on 20th May 1951. Celtic won 5-1. (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Celtic’s second American visit was in 1951. Once again, the Bhoys travelled as Scottish Cup winners, taking the trophy with them to display during their tour.

In total, the Celts played nine games across the USA and Canada, winning six, drawing two and losing one. They appeared in various locations, including New York, Toronto and also Kearney in New Jersey, which is famous for its huge Celtic Supporters’ Club.

On this trip, the Bhoys returned with some silverware. Celtic won the D. Kennedy Cup, beating Chicago Polish Eagles 4-0. The club still hold this trophy and it can be seen at Celtic Park.

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CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1957

Six years later, the Celts were again on the move. Their third Atlantic trip took the team to Canada and the USA. Eight games were played, with five wins, one draw and two defeats.

In half of these matches, Celtic’s opponents were Tottenham Hotspur, who were also on a US tour. Another opponent – the Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers – surely have one of the longest names of any Celtic opponent.

The trip must have been good for the team. Months after returning to Scotland, they achieved a British record cup final score as they hammered Rangers 7-1 to win the League Cup.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1966

Celtic’s famous summer tour that helped shape the Lisbon Lions. The Bhoys went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda.

Across 11 games, Celtic won eight and drew three, failing to be defeated at any point. They also scored a huge 47 goals whilst conceding only six!

Celtic history books record this trip as being key to the Bhoys’ 1966-67 success as it helped the players bond, ensuring they went on to win all five competitions they entered.

The following year, another Atlantic journey did involve the USA, Canada or Mexico, but it was a best-forgotten infamous moment as the Celts lost to the violence of Racing Club in the Intercontinental Cup.

CELTIC IN THE USA, CANADA AND MEXICO – 1968

Celtic’s next transatlantic journey was a more peaceful affair that took them to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Celtic played three games during this time.

The Bhoys twice met AC Milan, drawing and winning these games. In the second match – played in Toronto – Celtic’s 2-0 victory meant they claimed the first C.N.E. Cup of Champions trophy, which can still be seen at Celtic Park.

Celtic lost 3-2 to Necaxa in their game in Mexico City but it was still notable to play in the world-famous Azteca Stadium.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1970

Just days after the 1970 European Cup Final, Celtic went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda. Playing seven games, Celtic won four, drew two and lost one.

Most matches were played against European sides: Man Utd, Bari and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The second Bari game – part of the Toronto Cup – was abandoned in farcical circumstances. Bari had three men sent off and then the rest walked off the pitch when Celtic won an 87th minute penalty.

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CELTIC IN THE USA – 1981

Celtic went to the USA to play in the NASL Transatlantic Cup. Playing in New York and Seattle, the Bhoys lost their first two games but beat Southampton 2-1.

A Celtic team far from being match fit lost to New York Cosmos and Seattle Sounders, although they did beat Southampton who were also touring the US.

CELTIC IN CANADA – 1982

A year after the US journey, Celtic were back in North America for another tournament. This time, it was the Bhoys’ first such visit that involved only Canada without any American games.

In July 1982, they went to Toronto to play in the Labatt’s International Soccer Tournament. It proved to be a disastrous and embarrassing affair.

In the opening game, Celtic lost 4-1 to the amateur side Toronto Italia. Roy Aitken called it a “disgrace” and said it was the worst game the club had ever played. A small segment of pride was restored about beating Toronto Hellenic 7-0.

In the final game, Celtic were due to face Dinamo Zagreb. However, the Yugoslavian side had already won the competition, so the Celts declined to play the game.

CELTIC IN CANADA – 1985

Celtic celebrate after winning the Scottish Cup, Celtic v Dundee Utd. 2 May 1985. Photo: Mary Evans, Allstars

The disappointment in 1982 did not stop the Celts from repeating their ‘Canada-only’ visit, and three years later they were back in the land of the maple leaf. This time it was for another competition, the B.C. Place International Soccer Tournament, which was held in June 1985 in Vancouver.

In the semi-final of the four-team tournament, Celtic beat Pacific Rim Soccer League All-Stars 2-1, whilst the other European entrants, Ajax were knocked out.

In the final, Celtic faced local side North Shore Colts, but fell to a 2-1 defeat. The Canadian men had guests such as Peter Beardsley in their team.

CELTIC IN CANADA – 1994

In June 1994, Celtic played games against Hearts and Aberdeen. This does not seem particularly unusual, apart from the fact that the matches were held in Canada, more than 3000 miles away from Scotland.

The teams all featured in the Hamilton Cup, a mini-tournament which was held to celebrate Scottish links with Canada. In the semi-final, Celtic drew with Hearts before disposing of the Edinburgh men in a penalty shootout.

This set up a final showdown with Aberdeen, who had beaten local team Montreal Impact in the other semi-final. In this match, a Paul Byrne goal gave Celtic the win.

Paul Byrne scored for Celtic against Rangers at Ibrox on 4th January 1995. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Although this is hardly a major tournament, it was the first competition won by the Celts following Fergus McCann’s Celtic takeover earlier in 1994.

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CELTIC IN THE USA – 2001

Almost 20 years after their last visit, Celtic were again back in the USA. In January 2001, the Bhoys played twice in Florida, winning both of the matches.

Celtic were based in Tampa, and won 5-1 in a closed-doors game against University of South Florida Bulls before drawing 2-2 with Tampa Bay Mutiny.

This mid-season break must have helped Celtic. They returned home to win a first Treble since 1969.

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2003

Two years later, Celtic took part in a two-game US tour. Playing in Seattle and Cleveland, Celtic lost one and won one.

These games were held as part of The ChampionsWorld tournament. Playing in Seattle – at the Seattle Seahawks Stadium – Celtic went down to 4-0 to Man United.

However the second game was much better. In another American Football stadium – the Brown’s Stadium, home to the Cleveland Browns – Celtic beat Boca Juniors 1-0, thanks to a Chris Sutton goal.

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2004

Celtic returned to the USA in 2004, playing four games as part of another ChampionsWorld tournament. Despite being in America, all of the Bhoys’ matches took place against European teams.

This was less than successful for Celtic. They were defeated 4-2 by Chelsea, 5-1 by Liverpool and 1-0 by Roma. However, Philadelphia proved to be the happiest ground as Celtic beat Man United 2-1.

Despite all of the big-name teams, the tournament was generally a flop. Significant financial losses were made by the organisers, which saw the ChampionsWorld being wound up as a result.

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2006

Celtic’s 2006 US tour took them to three of the USA’s most famous cities. In three matches with US teams, Celtic failed to claim even one victory.

Playing in Washington DC, New York and Boston, it was problematic for Celtic. They lost to DC United and New England Revolution, and also drew with Chivas USA, playing in the famous Giants stadium.

In fact, Celtic only scored once in the three fixtures!

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2007

Another US trip – this time in 2007 – involved games in Colorado and Illinois.

Playing in Denver at the amusingly titled ‘Dick’s Sporting Goods Park’, Celtic lost 2-0 to an MLS All-Stars team.

Celtic then drew 1-1 with Chicago Fire at the less interestingly named Toyota Park in Bridgeview.

CELTIC IN CANADA – 2009

Two years after an American trip, the Celts went to Canada for a one-off game. They faced Portuguese side Benfica.

The match – held in Toronto – was part of the CNE Cup, a tournament previously won by the Celts. However, this time it was not so positive as the Bhoys fell to a 3-1 defeat from the Lisbon men.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 2010

In this US and Canadian tour, Celtic won two games – one after penalties – and lost two. In fact, Celtic lost the first two games – versus Philadelphia Union and Manchester United – before beating Seattle Sounders and Sporting Lisbon.

The latter game – a battle of the Hoops – took place at the famous Baseball ground, Fenway Park. After a 1-1 draw, Celtic won 6-5 on penalties to be awarded the Fenway Football Challenge Trophy.

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2012

This was a strange US trip as it came after the Scottish domestic season had started. However the money on offer to play Real Madrid in Philadelphia was too attractive to turn down.

40,000 fans gathered at the Lincoln Financial Field to watch the Spanish team claim a 2-0 victory.

As part of this trip, Celtic also took part in a memorial event for those people who left Ireland during ‘An Gorta Mor’ (the Great Hunger) and ended up in the USA.

CELTIC IN THE USA – 2024

Celtic’s most recent transatlantic trip came in July 2024. Three games were played all across the USA, and the Celts put in some ‘four-midable’ performances.

In the opening game, the Bhoys faced local team DC United in Washington DC, with the Glasgow men easily winning 4-3. Celtic then followed this up with a 4-3 victory over Manchester City in North Carolina.

In the final match, Celtic faced Chelsea. The Bhoys kept up their remarkable four goals record, this time winning 4-1 at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.

SOUTH BEND, IN – JULY 27: Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez 1 defends the goal during the friendly soccer match between Chelsea and Celtic on July 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUL 27 Chelsea vs Celtic EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240727011

The Celts have had many memorable and exciting moments in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Hopefully Scotland can do similar this summer as they feature in their first World Cup Finals for almost three decades.

Matthew Marr

Continues on the next page…

You can March with O’Neill with Celtic Walking Tours

Will you MARCH with O’Neill in 2026? Martin O’Neill is back – and so are the Celtic Walking Tours…

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill reacts during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Throughout March – and later in 2026 – you can take part in more Celtic history walks. These FREE events will help you learn about numerous events that have shaped the club’s history.

1. ‘The rebels have won’ tour – Friday 6 March, 6pm

Celtic Walking Tours are absolutely FREE!

Just as fan and Board relations have reached a low, this walk describes Celtic’s original 1994 ‘Sack the Board’ battle. The tour will visit numerous sites in Glasgow City Centre connected to Fergus McCann’s takeover.

‘The rebels have won’ tour

2. Matchday pub walk – Saturday 14 March, 11.15am

Celtic History Walk is FREE!

On this walk, you can learn about Celtic’s history – and visit the pub too! This matchday pub walk visits various sites which were at the heart of Celtic’s early story, and takes place before Celtic v Motherwell. Please note that this date is subject to change based on the possibility that Europa League fixtures could see the game move to Sunday.

Matchday pub walk

3. Celtic in the West End – Sunday 29 March, 11am

Celtic History Walks is FREE!

Celtic have links beyond the east end with many stories in Glasgow’s west end too. Find out more about these, including some important club firsts.

Celtic in the West End

There will be other walks arranged later in 2026 – including a special new event in June.

Best of all – these history events are entirely FREE to attend. However, anyone who takes part is welcome to make a charity donation, which various suggestions found here:https://celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com/charity-and-donations/

Upcoming Walks and they are all FREE!

Matthew Marr

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?