Scotland clung on despite intense late pressure to beat Haiti on their long-awaited World Cup return, winning at a major tournament for the first time in 30 years.
John McGinn got the decisive goal, firing a deflected effort beyond Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide after a brilliant Ben Gannon-Doak cross forced the issue.
Haiti, who never looked out of the game, fought until the very end in search of an equaliser, with striker Frantzdy Pierrot seeing a late header go agonisingly wide in what was probably the Caribbean nation's best chance of the game.
But by clinging onto their clean sheet, Scotland were able to get the win over the line in a legacy-defining triumph for Steve Clarke, whose side go top of Group B after Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
Relive all the action from Scotland v Haiti, below
Read MoreScotland’s long World Cup wait is over – now they can dream of a mythical extra game
The secret Scotland weapon who could hold key to World Cup hopes
Haiti vs Scotland player ratings: John McGinn seals vital win as young starlet shines in Boston
Scotland v Haiti LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- Scotland beat Haiti on return to World Cup for first time in 28 years
- Steve Clarke's side go top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco draw
- REPORT: How Scotland secured first World Cup win for 36 years
- RATINGS: Who impressed for Steve Clarke's side?
- 85' CLOSE! Haiti come inches away from late equaliser with Pierrot header [HAI 0-1 SCO]
- 28' GOAL! McGinn's deflected strike sends Scottish fans into raptures [HAI 0-1 SCO]
- 17' OFF THE POST! McTominay rattles woodwork from inside box [HAI 0-0 SCO]
Andy Robertson, 6 - Constantly offered an outlet and helped to keep the width when McGinn drifted inside. Was rarely threatened in defence though could have offered more in attack.
Ben Gannon-Doak, 8 – Lively early on, and almost got an assist as McTominay crashed an effort against the post. Created the opener – with the help of a lovely touch and run from Adams – by beating his man and firing in a great low cross. Offered a constant threat down the right, and was probably Scotland’s man of the match.
Lewis Ferguson, 7 – Was reliable throughout and tidy on the ball, and kept it ticking in midfield. Rarely gave away possession on a night where some of his teammates were sloppy at times.
Scott McTominay, 6 – Grew into the game but wasn’t as influential as he usually is. Probably should have scored but hit the post with the first real chance of the game.
Haiti vs Scotland player ratings: McGinn seals vital win as young starlet shines
Scotland celebrate World Cup history
06:42 , Jack Rathborn
Scotland’s long World Cup wait is over – now they can dream of a mythical extra game
06:25 , Richard Jolly in BostonAfter a 28-year wait, a 28th-minute goal to announce their return. Scotland are back in the World Cup 2026, creating history with both their presence and their victory and making a nation dream again. It may have entailed a deflected goal, an unconvincing performance, a struggle to beat a Haiti side officially only the 83rd best in the global game, but this was still a day – if not necessarily a display – for Scotland to savour.
And a league table that, in their long exile from this stage, would have required a stretch of the imagination. From top spot in Group C, Scotland can stare down at the five-time winners Brazil in the standings; the 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, too. It may only last for a few days, but this team are positioned to go where no previous Scotland side has: to the knockout stages in a major competition, to the extra game that seemed almost mythical.
Scotland create World Cup history and dream of a mythical extra game
Haiti vs Scotland player ratings: John McGinn seals vital win as young starlet shines in Boston
06:05 , Jack RathbornAngus Gunn, 6 - Made an unconvincing stop when tested in the first half, but did what was asked of him overall.
Aaron Hickey, 6 - Looked shaky in the first half up against Ruben Providence, though cleared well from a promising chance late on. Sharpened up in the second half and could have had an assist if McGinn had done better.
Jack Hendry, 7 - Was solid throughout and like Hanley was not under too stern a test, though won his duels when he needed to.
Grant Hanley, 7 - Was put under pressure early on as his team made a shaky start, but never looked too troubled and made a great block late on to stop a dangerous counter-attack. Played the ball over the top that led to the only goal of the game.
Haiti vs Scotland player ratings: McGinn seals vital win as young starlet shines
Up next
05:45 , Alan SmithScotland remain in Boston with Morocco next up on Friday at 11pm BST, while Haiti face Brazil in Philadelphia in the early hours of Saturday morning (1:30am to be precise).
The final round of games see Scotland face Brazil in Miami and Morocco take on Haiti in Atlanta - both kicking off at 11pm on Wednesday, June 24.
05:30 , Alan SmithHAI 🇭🇹 0-1 🏴 SCO (FT) - Scotland have the most WC appearances (9) without ever reaching the knockouts.
Group C now 3-1-1-0 after MD1. Final position of team on 3 pts in past 3-1-1-0 groups (25 cases):
🥇 1st: 64%
🥈 2nd: 4% (MEX 1998)
🥉 3rd: 28%
4th: 4% (KSA 2022)
McGinn's message to Scotland
05:15 , Alan Smith“A generation haven't seen this. Seeing all the kids going to the parks in their Scotland kit and painting their face. When they get up tomorrow hopefully they are beaming with pride. Because I am.”
05:05 , Alan SmithThat was Scotland's first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand in 1982.
04:55 , Alan Smith3 - Scotland have won their opening match at the FIFA World Cup for the third time (1974, 1982). They led their group after the first matchday each time with Brazil featuring in all three groups.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2026
Atop. pic.twitter.com/ByPlkKISeD
'We could have been better with the ball. But who cares?'
04:45 , Alan SmithClarke adds: “This is what the team's all about. If you let them play they can. They showed that character and resilience. Defensively outstanding. We could probably have been a bit better with the ball. But who cares? We won.”
Clarke: About time
04:35 , Alan Smith“Absolutely,” a releived Scotland coach tells the BBC. “I said to the captain Andy Robertson that it's about time we won in the group stage. We probably put the supporters through it a little bit. Everyone said it was a must win game. We won the game.”
Old hands and new
04:25 , Alan Smith31-238 - At 31 years, 238 days old, John McGinn is the oldest player to score for Scotland at the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Kenny Dalglish (31-103) vs. New Zealand in 1982.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2026
Breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/uiFqsM6Uip
19-255 - At 19 years, 255 days old, Findlay Curtis is the youngest player to appear for Scotland at the FIFA World Cup.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2026
Usurped. https://t.co/16NPHgqUDd
McGinn: Not my best but who cares?
04:17 , Alan SmithSpeaking to the BBC the matchwinner says: “It wasn't my best of goals but who cares? I scuffed it a little bit. Haiti are a decent team. It's a must-win game and we won.”
04:07 , Alan SmithThat said Steve Clarke is beaming on the sideline while his players make sure to cherish the moment, applauding the thousands of travelling fans.
04:06 , Alan SmithThe Scotland fans are dancing to Yes sir, I can boogie and enjoying every second of this moment - a first win on this stage in 36 years.
This was the match they had to win to stand any chance of progressing - and they did it, keeping a clean sheet. Will Steve Clarke be thrilled with the overall performance? No. But they managed the match well, repelling a Haitian side that may lack firepower but was determined and had a clear game plan.
Full-time! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:02 , Alan SmithAnd that’s the end. Scotland have lift off at the 2026 World Cup. They lead group C after the first round of games thanks to John McGinn’s first-half goal. It was ugly for long spells but that will not matter a jot to the Tartan Army.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:01 , Alan Smith97’ - When play resumes Experience shows a lack of by driving well over from distance. A waste for Haiti, a relief for Scotland.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:00 , Alan Smith96’ - Watching it back while Casimir continues to receive treatment, you could argue McLean is lucky not to see red for that. It lacked force but it was so high that, well, we’ve all seen them given.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:59 , Alan Smith95’ - McLean is booked for a really, really bad tackle on Casimir - planting his studs on the Haitian’s knee. He is down in a lot of discomfort and that means added time on to the added time with Haiti having a free kick about 40 yards from goal on the left.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland.
03:58 , Alan Smith94’ - Dykes commits a foul but Bellegarde wastes the free kick with his worst delivery of the night. Another minute closer.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:57 , Alan Smith93’ - Haiti are going a bit more direct now. And it doesn’t suit them. A long diagonal pass goes out for a throw in which kills another couple of precious seconds.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:55 , Alan Smith91’ - Curtis gains some ground on the left and hangs yet another cross in. It’s cleared and he is then booked for a high boot that collides with Casimir.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:54 , Alan Smith90’ - Six added minutes. Six more minutes for Scotland to hold on.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:53 , Alan Smith89’ - All 11 Scotland players are sitting back, happy to let Haiti play in front of them. The tension is dialing up by the minute.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:51 , Alan Smith87’ - Curtis attempts to find Dykes with a cross from the left. It’s off track but it does ease the pressure for a moment.
Fortune favours the brave
03:50 , Richard Jolly in BostonHaiti have replaced Providence with Fortune. Which do they need most?
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:49 , Alan Smith85’ - A massive let off. Pierrot rises high in front of Hanley but he is unable to direct a free header on target, instead powering wide.
Another Haiti change sees Fortune replaced Providence. The incoming player apparently used to be an Arsenal youth team player.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:47 , Alan Smith82’ - The final two Scotland changes.
Curtis replaces McGinn, who may still end up being the night’s hero. McLean is on for Shankland, who offered so little up front.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:45 , Alan Smith80’ - Ten minutes plus added time. Can Scotland hold out? They are getting a little more nervy. Joseph and Providence do well down Haiti’s left. Patterson blocks for another corner.
We see Rod on screen again. He has a cocktail alongside his glass of wine.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:43 , Alan Smith79’ - The pressure is beginning to dial up. Bellegarde has a shot blocked by Hanley (it hits his arm but it’s by his side), Providence then has a go and Patterson blocks. Another corner. Providence swings it in and, with everyone back, Dykes heads it clear.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:41 , Alan Smith77’ - Haiti have a corner after McTominay tracks back well to shut down some danger on the right. Hanley heads the delivery wide.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:39 , Alan Smith75’ - Changes for both teams.
Adams, Hickey and Gannon-Doak are all off for Scotland. Patterson, Christie and Dykes are on.
For Haiti, Joseph jogs on in place of Isidor.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:38 , Alan Smith73’ - McGinn - oh so close. Hickey heads it on to the earlier goalscorer and he has a glorious chance to make it 2-0. But he rushes a bit with Ade closing him down and sends it wide.
And now Haiti go down the other end. Providence delivers a ball towards Isidor that causes a brief moment of panic. It goes out for a goal kick. Scotland sigh with relief.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:36 , Alan Smith72’ - From that free kick Jacques then grapples with McTominay in the box. The Napoli star wants a penalty. The referee is not interested. Scotland subs are imminent.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:35 , Alan Smith70’ - We’re back underway. Within seconds Jacques fouls McGinn down Scotland’s left, prime position for Robertson to cross.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:31 , Alan Smith67’ - Time for the hydration break.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:30 , Alan Smith66’ - Haiti pop it around on halfway but Scotland are proving so difficult to break down and, so far, not displaying a huge amount of anxiety.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:28 , Alan Smith64’ - Shankland may have had little come off in attack so far but he is putting in a shift - winning a free kick in his own third after dropping back to steal from Casimir.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:25 , Alan Smith61’ - Haiti make a change Casimir, of Auxerre, is on for Deedson, who was pretty decent in the opening half but has faded from the action in the second.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:23 , Alan Smith59’ - Pierrot wants a pen following the slightest grapple with Hendry. Play continues and Scotland counter down the left, a move ending with Shankland winning a corner.
Ferguson’s delivery is planted on the head of Adams but Haiti then clear.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:22 , Alan Smith57’ - It’s all bitty, scrappy and that is suiting Scotland quite well - for now. Haiti closed the first half playing some nice stuff and looking dangerous. They are less dynamic here so far in the second period.
This could get nervy
03:22 , Richard Jolly in BostonScotland could do with a second here. This has the potential to get nervy.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:19 , Alan Smith55’ - Better from Scotland. Robertson sticks in an inviting ball from the left. Shankland stretches but cannot reach it cleanly. Gannon-Doak does and wins a corner.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:17 , Alan Smith53’ - Providence hangs up a decent cross from the left that no Haiti team-mate is able to meet. It’s a warning for Scotland.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:16 , Alan Smith52’ - It remains stop start, no discernible pattern developing since the restart. We’re already up to 26 fouls.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:13 , Alan Smith49’ - Gannon-Doak continues to get the better of Experience, earning a foul that should be punishable with a yellow since it’s rather similar to what Hickey has just been booked for. Instead it’s just a free kick, which does not result in a meaningful attack.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:10 , Alan Smith47’ - Hickey goes into the book for a tug on Providence.
Restarted! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:09 , Alan Smith46’ - Haiti resume with a novelty - passing it back instead of immediately launching it.
03:09 , Alan SmithThe players are back out, limbering up for another edgy half of football. Scotland must keep their cool if Haiti continue to pile the pressure on.
The 'Mc' omen
03:02 , Richard JollyJohn McGinn is only the second "Mc" ever to score for Scotland in a World Cup.
The first was Stuart McCall, and Scotland won that game, which may be a good omen. Or perhaps completely irrelevant.
It's all coming up claret and blue
02:58 , Alan SmithHAI 🇭🇹 0-1 🏴 SCO (37') - John McGinn 🏴 becomes the first Aston Villa player to score for a British nation at the World Cup in nearly 36 YEARS.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) June 14, 2026
The previous one was David Platt 🏴, with England v Italy, in the 3rd-place play-off at Italy 1990 (07/07/1990).
Top of the group
02:54 , Richard Jolly in BostonHalf way there. As it stands, Scotland are top of the group, above Brazil and Morocco.
Half-time! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:52 , Alan SmithAnd that’s the break. What a moment for McGinn - but Scotland have a lot of work left to do tonight.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:51 , Alan Smith48’ - McGinn uses his body well to win a free-kick and earn Scotland a bit of respite as we approach the interval.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:48 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be four minutes added on. Haiti already appear desperate to equalise, pushing as if it was the end of the second half rather than first.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:46 , Alan Smith44’ - Adams and Ade jostle under a high ball. The Haitian player wins a free kick.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:45 , Alan Smith41’ - Haiti are now very much playing with a 4-2-4 and Bellegarde, who seems to have no end to his battery, is not far off making it five attackers when in possession. That could mean plenty of space for Scotland to break but, for now, they are sitting compact.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:40 , Alan Smith37’ - There is a real fluidity to some of Haiti’s play. Bellegarde steals from McGinn and charges forward, finding Pierrot who then attempts to play in Isidor but it is slightly off track and Scotland are relieved.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:37 , Alan Smith34’ - Bellegarde whips in a deep free towards Pierrot. The ball is a good one, the execution at the end of it leaves much to be desired. Moments after Providence cuts in from the left and takes a shot that Gunn spills. The offside flag goes up but it is a glimpse of some unconvincing goalkeeping.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:35 , Alan Smith33’ - Gannon-Doak, who has been fantastic, jinks down the right and picks out Shankland. The recent Rangers signing heads across the face of goal and wide.
Scotland's first World Cup goal for 28 years
02:34 , Richard JollyWhat a moment for John McGinn. He didn't do himself justice in Euro 2024 but now the Scotland cult hero has their first World Cup goal for 28 years.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:33 , Alan SmithMcGinn’s finish is deflected in via two Haiti players, though his shot is on target, but huge credit must go to Adams. He takes down a long ball over the top from Hanley with a marvellous first touch. From there he feeds Gannon-Doak on the right. A bit of trickery follows, then a cross towards Adams, whose flick is blocked into McGinn’s direction near the penalty spot. The Aston Villa man shoots and it squirms in. What a moment for Scotland.
GOAL! Haiti 0-1 Scotland (McGinn, 28)
02:31 , Alan SmithAnd Scotland lead - 28 minutes into their first World Cup match for 28 years!
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:30 , Alan Smith28’ - Isidor hits the deck again following a duel with Hanley. Play continues. The Haiti forward must be a bit more canny if he is to get a foul from these situations.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:29 , Alan Smith26’ - We’re back underway.
Do we really need a hydration break at night?
02:28 , Richard Jolly in New YorkCan't see we really need a hydration break here. It is almost 9.30 in the evening in Massachusetts and dark. It was hot earlier. Rather less so without the sun.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:26 , Alan Smith23’ - Isidor wants a penalty after going down (softly) under pressure from Hanley when meeting a Deedson cross. It’s never in a million years going to be given.
Now we’ll have the hydration break and John McGinn is quick to stick a bag of ice on his neck.
In the stands Rod Stewart is enjoying a glass of rose in the posh seats. Is that allowed? Who knows about the nuances of such rules in the Fifa bubble.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:23 , Alan Smith21’ - If Scotland are to find joy, right now it looks like it will come from the flanks with Gannon-Doak and Robertson both prospering. Shankland, on the other hand, needs to steady - his first touch has been poor on a couple of occassions. This latest misjudgment sees him slap his hands together in frustration.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:20 , Alan Smith17’ - McTominay rattles the goalframe! The midfielder has go from just inside the box following more good work by Gannon-Doak down the left and his clean strike comes back off the post. That’s the best chance so far.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:18 , Alan Smith16’ - Smart from Hendry as he keeps strong to deal with a cross from the left when under pressure from Isidor, who commits a foul for a push on the back.
It’s a bit Australian Rules now: stop start, quick free kicks as if the players are taking marks.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:17 , Alan Smith15’ - Haiti are indeed looking to impress themselves a bit. Scotland appear more direct, which is no bad thing, and it’s proving a decent enough watch - if nowhere near the smoothness of Morocco’s first-half performance earlier on.
Haiti making the noise
02:15 , Richard Jolly in BostonNow we have had the first real choruses from the Haiti fans. And with three shots already, their team have shown a bit of a threat, too.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:14 , Alan Smith12’ - Bellegarde blasts over after Deedson did well to hold the ball up and then lay it off.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:12 , Alan Smith10’ - Isidor attempts to turn near halfway but he is clumsy and clatters into Ferguson, giving Scotland a free kick.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:09 , Alan Smith7’ - It’s certainly lively. Robertson crosses from the left and McTominay rises sky high, meeting the delivery with his forehead. Except it sails over.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:08 , Alan Smith6’ - Scrap that. Shankland coughs the ball up too easily, permitting Haiti to advance for the first time. Deedson shoots harmlessly wide.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:07 , Alan Smith4’ - This is a decent start. Shankland has quarter of a sight of goal and while the punt is blocked the intent is positive.
Haiti are yet to settle.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:06 , Alan Smith3’ - Scotland seek to make themselves known early on. A reasonable amount of possession ends with Gannon-Doak sending a shot straight at Placide in the Haiti goal.
Kick-off! Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:02 , Alan SmithIt’s 9:03pm in Boston, it’s 2:03am in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
And we’re finally underway, Scotland going long from the centre.
02:00 , Alan SmithAnother match that will kick off a little late owing to the hosts’ formalities overrunning. But when you’ve waited 28 years, what’s another couple of minutes.
01:58 , Alan SmithA belting rendition of Flower of Scotland is followed by many, many handshakes.
How are the nerves, Scotland fans?
Haiti: what to expect
01:58 , Alan SmithFew among us will pretend otherwise that a read of the World Soccer guide has been required to develop a knowledge of Haiti’s football but Sebastien Migne, their head coach, will instruct his players to go into this with plenty of energy and not wait for the match to come to them.
Wilson Isidor, of Sunderland, is the most familiar name in a squad with several players who play their club football in the US.
01:54 , Alan SmithSirius is blaring out - as now the norm before Gianni’s 104 Super Bowls - while the players make another long walk from tunnel to centre circle in an L-shape because that’s just the way things are in these stadiums designed for NFL.
Hampden Park transported to Massachusetts
01:53 , Richard Jolly in BostonIt has felt like Hampden Park has been transported to Massachusetts for the night. I haven't spotted too many Haiti fans yet - which may be because of a Trumpian travel ban, though they do have a diaspora in the US.
Almost time
01:52 , Alan SmithThe atmosphere looks really good for this one. The sun has set at the home of the New England Patriots. The players are in the tunnel. And for Scotland the time they have been waiting a generation witness has arrived.
Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has said tonight, were nervous in their opener. Steve Clarke’s biggest challenge here must be to ensure his players are not fraught with anxiety.
Experienced Scotland
01:48 , Alan SmithSix of Scotland’s starting XI are aged 30 or over. Two more are 29. They have so much experience but none of it in a World Cup; little of it with the entire world’s footballing population watching.
Tartan Army heard loud and clear - despite Gillette Stadium's best efforts
01:45 , Richard Jolly in BostonSlightly disappointingly, an indoor press box here - which probably makes sense for the Boston winters, but which means we may not hear the Scotland fans at their full volume. Although we will still very much hear them.
Can the Scots handle the heat?
01:41 , Will CastleIt’s a scorching 31C in Boston today, which you have to feel will play into the hands of Caribbean nation Haiti rather than the Scots, who are more used to the wind and rain...
Andy Robertson’s simple legacy desire
01:37 , Alan Smith“We just hope after the World Cup the buzz is still there."
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
4-4-2: it's back
01:32 , Alan SmithExpect both sides to line up with two banks of four for this. Three other teams so far have too.
It’s so obviously back in fashion.
Fans fill into Gillette Stadium
01:29 , Will Castle
Can Scotland escape its World Cup group?
01:22 , Jamie BraidwoodPredict the winner of Scotland's group stage matches....
Scotland's big chance
01:14 , Will CastleScotland haven’t won a match at a major tournament in 30 years - but if they beat Haiti tonight, they’ll end the day at the top of a World Cup group.
That’s because Brazil and Morocco, who make up the other half of Group C, just played out a 1-1 stalemate at MetLife Stadium!
Click below for reaction to that game - but don’t go for too long, as kick off is only 45 minutes away!
Brazil v Morocco LIVE: Score and updates from entertaining World Cup clash
Scotland team have arrived
01:08 , Luke BakerThe Scots were out inspecting the Boston pitch after arriving a littler earlier
Roberston's message of appreciation
01:00 , Alan Smith"We hope we inspire the next generation to go out and kick a ball with their brother, mates or sister,” said Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, seemingly referencing the commercialisation and costs of this World Cup, in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “I did that with my brother in the back garden and with my mates.
“Society and football has become more expensive, but people can always kick a can down the road as they say. This is obviously on the world stage. We see back home how excited kids, parents and grandparents are.”
Haiti team news: Isidor and Bellegarde among starters
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:56 , Alan SmithAnd here’s the Haiti team. Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, as well as Sunderland frontman Wilson Isidor, are some of the recognisable names facing Steve Clarke’s side tonight.
Haiti XI: Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence, Pierrot, Isidor.
Scotland team news: McTominay starts, Gunn in goal
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:53 , Luke BakerAs expected, Scott McTominay does start for Scotland - having sufficiently recovered from his illness this week.
Steve Clarke has also plumped for Angus Gunn in goal, rather than veteran Craig Gordon, while Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland play together up front, leaving the likes of Ross Stewart and Lyndon Dykes as options off the bench.
Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley are the centre-backs, with John Souttar on the bench, while Andy Robertson captains the side from left-back.
Scotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn; Adams, Shankland.
🔢 Your Scotland team for our @FIFAWorldCup opener.#HAISCO | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/qkeBqyfTXR
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 13, 2026
Boston invaded by the Tartan Army
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:45 , Richard Jolly in BostonThe Americans are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence but, on part of Boston's famous Freedom Trail, there was an invasion by a foreign force: the Tartan Army.
There were kilted Scots everywhere in Boston's historic centre, at least until they decamped to Foxborough. They hired Massachusetts' yellow school buses for the journey south.
The 28-year wait for a World Cup game has turned this into even more of an occasion for the Scots. It should be quite a night.
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:40 , Alan Smith 8 - Scotland have failed to advance from the first round in any of their previous eight appearances at the FIFA World Cup, more often than any other side yet to make it to the second round.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2026
Pressure. https://t.co/aIh7vvhtbZ pic.twitter.com/4NTrnwcnyj
Now they must win
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:30 , Richard Jolly in BostonA couple of years ago, the slogan, at least outside the dressing room, was “No Scotland, no party”. Now it is different. The core of Andy Robertson’s message was “no regrets”.
No man has captained Scotland in more games, nor led them in three major tournaments. But the first two have provided disappointment. Instead of no regrets, there were no wins. Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024, but it was a false start for them, walloped 5-1 by Germany. Performances were more respectable in Euro 2020 but the outcome was the same: one point apiece.
Now the objective is to go one better and win a game, to do something that has eluded every previous Scotland side and reach the knockout stages of a tournament. “We want to do something special,” said Steve Clarke, a manager who often deals in cautious rhetoric allowing himself to dream.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
