The Forgotten Five Help Us Tell the Story of Scotland’s Lost World Cup Heroes

[Portfolio Films]

 

Hi everyone,

We wanted to share a project we’re currently developing called The Forgotten Five, and I thought there’s no better place to speak about it than here with the Tartan Army.

It tells the true story of five Scottish footballers who left Scotland in the early 1900s, emigrated to America, and went on to represent the USA at the very first FIFA World Cup in 1930.

One of them, Jim Brown from Troon, remains the only Scottish-born player to score in a World Cup semi-final.

The five were:

James “Jim” Brown – Troon
Andy Auld – Stevenston
Jimmy Gallagher – Kirkintilloch
Bart McGhee – Edinburgh
Alex “Sandy” Wood – Lochgelly, Fife

Despite this incredible achievement, most football fans in Scotland have never heard of them.

As Scotland heads toward World Cup 2026, we feel this is the right time to finally bring recognition to these men and tell their story properly.

You may watch a taster video we've made by clicking this link.

We are developing a feature documentary called The Forgotten Five through our company, Portfolio Films, based here in Stirling. The film will combine family testimony, archive research, and newly uncovered material, working closely with James Brown (Jim Brown’s grandson), Scott Such (Jimmy Gallagher’s grandson), John Auld (Andy Auld’s grand-nephew), and sports journalist Hugh MacDonald, who will help anchor the wider historical context.

James has spent years uncovering the family history and archive surrounding the 1930 team, and our documentary aims to bring that forgotten legacy back to Scotland  .

We are also in the process of organising an Under 14s match at Ardeer Thistle Football Club to help connect the story to today’s game. The idea is to show that this is not just a historical documentary, but a story that still matters to young Scottish players now, especially as the World Cup returns to North America in 2026.

Our goal is simple:
To give these players the recognition they deserve and make sure Scotland remembers them.

We’re also exploring ways the football community and supporters might help bring this film to life, whether through support, visibility, introductions, archive leads, or eventually crowdfunding support from fans who believe this story deserves to be told.

I’d genuinely love to know:

Had you heard of these five before?

Do you think they deserve recognition at places like Hampden and the Scottish Football Museum?

Would this be something the Tartan Army would get behind?

Sometimes Scottish football history focuses too much on glorious failure. Maybe it’s time we also remembered the Scots who actually made a World Cup semi-final… even if they did it wearing USA shirts.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

[fringo]

Never heard this story but sounds interesting to me.

 

[Orraloon]

I've read a wee bit about the 1950 USA Scottish links. That was probably only big news because they beat England. But I never knew anything about the 1930 USA team. Sounds very interesting.