Two nations ending lengthy absences from the FIFA World Cup will lock horns in Massachusetts as Haiti and Scotland kick off their Group C campaigns with three valuable points on the line.
Scotland and Haiti will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journeys on Sunday when they meet at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, with both nations knowing that victory could prove crucial in a challenging Group C that also contains five-time world champions Brazil and reigning AFCON champions Morocco.
For Haiti, this marks a historic return to the tournament after a 52-year absence. The Grenadiers’ only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when they suffered three defeats and conceded 14 goals. This time, however, there is renewed optimism after an impressive qualification campaign that saw them win six and draw two of their 10 CONCACAF qualifying matches.
Haiti secured qualification with consecutive victories over Costa Rica and Nicaragua in November 2025, but their achievement extends beyond football. Ongoing security challenges in the country forced them to play all of their home qualifiers in Curacao, while head coach Sebastien Migne has yet to visit Haiti since taking charge 18 months ago.
Ranked 83rd in the FIFA rankings and the second-lowest ranked nation at the tournament, Haiti have experienced mixed results in their World Cup preparations. After suffering a defeat to Tunisia and drawing with Iceland earlier in the year, they produced a statement 4-0 victory over New Zealand before ending their preparations with a narrow 2-1 loss to Peru.
The Grenadiers know that defeating Scotland could be essential to keeping alive hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Scotland, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years and will be hoping to finally end one of international football’s most frustrating records.
The Tartan Army have never progressed beyond the group stage of a major tournament, having been eliminated in all 12 previous appearances across World Cups and European Championships. Steve Clarke’s side are determined to change that statistic in North America.
Scotland qualified dramatically after topping their UEFA qualifying group, securing a memorable 4-2 victory over Denmark thanks to late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. Their qualification journey has been celebrated by supporters, with the national team’s official social media channels sharing emotional highlights of the campaign ahead of their long-awaited World Cup return.
Although Scotland suffered friendly defeats against Japan and Ivory Coast in March, they have since responded strongly. Convincing victories over Curacao and Bolivia have restored confidence, with Clarke’s men scoring eight goals across those two matches.
The official Scotland NT X account posted a hype video recapping key moments from their qualification path, ahead of their first FIFA World Cup match in 28 years.
A win against Haiti would provide the perfect platform before tougher group-stage tests against Brazil and Morocco.
Team News
Haiti head into the contest without any major injury concerns, and head coach Sebastien Migne is expected to continue with the 4-4-2 system used in recent friendlies. Veteran goalkeeper and captain Johny Placide is set to start between the posts, protected by a defence likely featuring Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix and Martin Experience.
In midfield, Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is expected to play a key role, while Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor should partner record goalscorer Duckens Nazon in attack. Nazon has scored 44 goals in 78 appearances for Haiti and remains the team’s biggest threat.
Scotland will be without midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.There is positive news regarding Scott McTominay, who returned to training after a brief illness and is expected to start. Defender Scott McKenna remains doubtful after missing recent training sessions.
Steve Clarke has several midfield options, including Lewis Ferguson, Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie and Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher.
John McGinn is expected to operate on the left side of midfield, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland could be rewarded with a starting role after contributing three goals and one assist in recent victories over Curacao and Bolivia. Che Adams is likely to partner him in attack.
In goal, Clarke must decide between Angus Gunn and veteran Craig Gordon, who at 43 years old is the oldest player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Possible Lineups
Haiti possible starting lineup:
Placide; Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience; Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Nazon
Scotland possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Adams, Shankland
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 02:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Haiti 1-2 Scotland
Haiti have shown resilience throughout qualifying and possess attacking threats capable of troubling any defence, particularly through Duckens Nazon and Wilson Isidor. However, Scotland appear to be entering the tournament with stronger momentum following comprehensive wins over Curacao and Bolivia.
The experience of players such as McTominay, McGinn and Adams, combined with Scotland’s recent attacking form, could prove decisive in a closely contested encounter. Scotland’s superior experience and recent form may give them the edge, but Haiti have enough quality and determination to ensure the Tartan Army face a stern test in their World Cup opener.
