John Swinney raised private concerns about Stephen Flynn, his Transport and Economy Secretary and a potential SNP successor, travelling to the World Cup in the United States while missing a crucial by-election in his former Westminster constituency. Emails released under Freedom of Information legislation show Swinney's office approved Flynn's trip "on an exceptional basis" while noting the First Minister was concerned that Flynn would not be present for the Aberdeen South by-election on 18 June, a contest triggered by Flynn's own resignation after he switched to Holyrood.

Flynn had asked in May for permission to be absent from 18 to 27 June to attend the tournament in Boston, having previously travelled with Swinney to Euro 2024. The Aberdeen South by-election was won by the Scottish Conservatives' Douglas Lumsden, who accused Flynn of abandoning the campaign, while Labour's Neil Bibby said Swinney's private reservations contrasted with his public defence of the trip. Asked about the emails, Swinney said he had given his consent and considered the matter closed.