Scotland are counting down the hours until they play their first men’s World Cup match in 28 years, with the Tartan Army’s long-awaited return against Haiti potentially crucial to their chances of getting through to the knockout stages.
Steve Clarke’s side, who sealed their qualification after a sensational win over Denmark in November, were also drawn with Brazil and Morocco in Group C - two of their opponents from the last time they played on the global stage in 1998.
Haiti are among the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup and three points could be enough to go through as one of the best-ranked third-place sides, so Scotland’s opening game in Boston is seen as a “must-win” opportunity.
Scotland’s talisman Scott McTominay is likely to be fit after returning to training after a stomach bug, while captain Andy Robertson has urged his team to have “no regrets” following two winless appearances at European Championships in 2021 and 2024.
Can Scotland get a priceless win tonight? Follow updates from Scotland v Haiti, below
Read MoreScotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
Scotland v Haiti LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- Scotland return to World Cup for first time in 28 years against Haiti | Live on BBC
- Steve Clarke's side could go top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco draw
- 17' OFF THE POST! McTominay rattles woodwork from inside box [HAI 0-0 SCO]
- Scotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn; Adams, Shankland
- Haiti XI: Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence, Pierrot, Isidor
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
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.
Haitian players to watch
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:20 , Alan SmithStar player: Duckens Nazon. The captain scored six goals in qualifying and leads the line for his nation.
Breakout talent: Wilson Isidor. Coming off an excellent season at Sunderland, the French-born Isidor has switched allegiances.
What to expect from Haiti
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:10 , Alan SmithHaiti qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years despite not playing a single game at home; meaning that their coach, the Frenchman Sebastien Migne, has actually never set foot in the Caribbean nation. Armed gangs have taken over the capital Port-au-Prince, displacing an estimated 1.5 million people, and a humanitarian crisis engulfs the country.
Haiti played all of their qualifiers away from home, including their ‘home’ games 500 miles away in Curacao, but overcame the odds to beat Nicaragua 2-0 in their final qualifier and join Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in Group C. All but one of Haiti’s 26-man squad plays their football outside of Haiti and Woodensky Pierre, who is based there, only received his US visa last week. Fans from Haiti are banned from travelling to the United States but there is a large diaspora who will hope to roar their nation to a first ever World Cup win.
Scott McTominay 'perfect' and 'ready to go' for Scotland's World Cup opener
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:01 , Jamie BraidwoodGood news for Scotland. Steve Clarke confirmed that Scott McTominay is “perfect” and “ready to go” ahead of Scotland’s opening game against Haiti.
He nevertheless sought to relieve the pressure on McTominay to be the matchwinner.
“I think I have 26 superstars here,” he said. “If you try and put so much on to one player is not fair. Some daft coach put him as a centre-half five years ago, obviously he's not a centre-half.”
Scotland squad in full
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:52 , Alan SmithGoalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Finlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)
Coach: Steve Clarke
Steve Clarke stresses that Scotland will not underestimate Haiti
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:46 , Jamie BraidwoodHaiti produced an eye-catching performance as they defeated New Zealand 3-0 in one of their World Cup warm-up matches in Florida, but Scotland boss Steve Clarke did not need to be told that the Tartan Army face a difficult opening game against the Caribbean nation.
“We’ve got a terrible habit, not just in Scotland, but in the UK in general, of looking at these nations and thinking they’re not very good, or (looking at) whatever their ranking in the world,” he said. “But they play in a different section of the world, so maybe in their section, they’re really good.
“And if you watched them play the other night against New Zealand, they were much better than New Zealand. Big, strong physical, but not only big, strong physical… also technical. They have good players who play in good leagues.
“I was never under any illusion, it was going be a tough game, and it’s probably nice that some people get to see how they played the other night, because it’s going be a difficult game for us.”
Haiti squad in full
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:40 , Alan SmithSquad:
Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux), Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)
Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Experience (Nancy), Jean-Kevin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Ade (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Presov)
Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josue Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Caykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros).
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:31 , Jack RathbornHaiti have been forced into a late change on their World Cup 2026 shirts after Fifa accused them of violating its regulations on political speech.
Haiti, preparing to kick off their World Cup in Group C against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, previously had a shirt that depicted a war scene from the country's battle for independence.
But shirt manufacturer Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that a swift, late change had been made after collaborating with the Haitian Football Federation on the design.
It previously was said to be geared towards "celebrating the pride, resilience, and spirit" of the Haitian people, with the Colombian manufacturer emphasising that it did not intend it to be a political statement.
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
Everything worth knowing about in Group C
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:22 , Alan Smith
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
Haiti's incredible World Cup story
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:17 , Jamie BraidwoodHaiti qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years despite not playing a single game at home; meaning that their coach, the Frenchman Sebastien Migne, has actually never set foot in the Caribbean nation. Armed gangs have taken over the capital Port-au-Prince, displacing an estimated 1.5 million people, and a humanitarian crisis engulfs the country.
Haiti played all of their qualifiers away from home, including their ‘home’ games 500 miles away in Curacao, but overcame the odds to beat Nicaragua 2-0 in their final qualifier and join Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in Group C. All but one of Haiti’s 26-man squad plays their football outside of Haiti and Woodensky Pierre, who is based there, only received his US visa shortly before the tournament.
Fans from Haiti are banned from travelling to the United States but there is a large diaspora who will hope to roar their nation to a first ever World Cup win.
IN PICTURES: Scotland fans taking over Boston
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:05 , Luke BakerKick-off is edging ever closer but the Scotland fans were out on the streets of Boston from early this morning
Preview: Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:01 , 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.
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Scotland's possible line-up vs Haiti: Shankland up top?
Saturday 13 June 2026 22:42 , Jamie BraidwoodIf Steve Clarke goes for 4-4-2, this is likely the team he will go for. Angus Gunn has not played much this season but was crucial for Scotland in November. Aaron Hickey is back fit and his return is welcome. It’s a toss-up between John Souttar and Jack Hendry at centre-back, with captain Andy Robertson at left-back.
Billy Gilmour is out of the World Cup so Lewis Ferguson takes charge of midfeild, along with Scott McTominay. Ben Gannon-Doak brings pace, and John McGinn can come off the wing. It may mean Ryan Christie misses out from the start.
That’s because Lawrence Shankland is in form and Clarke has figured out a way to play the striker next to Che Adams, who can drop deeper.
Possible Scotland XI: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland
Tartan Army land in Boston
Saturday 13 June 2026 22:30 , Ben MitchellScotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher were among the big names to arrive in Boston ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.
A host of celebrities and the Tartan Army have arrived in the Massachusetts capital with celebrations already beginning ahead of the team’s first match.
Actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan were among other famous guests who were greeted by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.
Tartan Army start celebrations ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years
Scotland v Haiti: Don't forget the game is tonight!
Saturday 13 June 2026 22:20 , Jamie BraidwoodKick-off time is 9pm ET on Saturday 13 June, in Boston!
In the UK, kick-off is 2am BST on Sunday 14 June.
You want to make sure you get that right.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1.10am BST, or stream it live on BBC iPlayer.
Viewers in the US can watch the game on Fox.
Is Scotland vs Haiti on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup game
Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
Saturday 13 June 2026 22:02 , Jamie BraidwoodThe World Cup is back on a bigger scale than ever – and the World Cup Insider newsletter is your daily guide to the biggest stories, results and analysis as the tournament unfolds. Our sports team, including Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly, Lawrence Ostlere and Kieran Jackson, will be reporting from across the United States throughout the tournament, bringing you fresh analysis, exclusive insight and on-the-ground reporting directly from the games.Each edition includes:
- A roundup of the biggest talking points and standout moments from overnight
- The stories, analysis and features you may have missed
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- The latest episode of our World Cup podcast Copa Independent
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Sign up to World Cup Insider here.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
Andy Robertson: Scotland squad 'like Christmas Eve' before World Cup return
Saturday 13 June 2026 21:51 , Jamie BraidwoodScotland captain Andy Robertson said the mood around the squad was like “Christmas Eve” ahead of their World Cup return against Haiti tonight.
Speaking to BBC Sport last night, the Scotland captain said: "We're on the eve of it and in the team hotel it feels like Christmas Eve when you're a little kid. It's an incredible stadium, an incredible thing to be part of.
“I'm just so proud of everyone, all 26 who are going to be able to participate. We've been through so much in our lives and careers to be able to be here at this point and we're now right on the edge of it.
“It just feels so special and it feels the Denmark game was an age ago and we've waited so long for it and tomorrow's so close. All the preparation's done and we're ready to go.”
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
Saturday 13 June 2026 21:29 , Jamie BraidwoodThe format of the Euros gives us a bit of a clue. Four points (so one win, a draw and a defeat) is almost guaranteed to be enough. But, no, one win on its own is sometimes not enough to go through.
At Euro 2016, third-placed sides Turkey and Albania were eliminated on three points despite both winning one of their games and losing the other two.
At Euro 2020, Finland and Slovakia both finished third in their group with one win and two defeats, but three points was not enough to qualify.
And in Euro 2024, Hungary were eliminated on three points while Slovenia did ‘a Portugal’ and advanced despite three draws and zero wins.
The magic number for progress is therefore likely to be three points, plus a goal difference of at least -1 - the higher, the better, obviously.
World Cup third-place rankings explained: Is one win enough to qualify?
Scotland's pre-World Cup form: Goals, goals, goals!
Saturday 13 June 2026 21:08 , Jamie BraidwoodScotland warmed up for the World Cup by scoring four goals in back-to-back games.
A 4-1 victory over 10-player Curacao at Hampden sent Scotland off to the United States in style, where they also beat Bolivia 4-0 in their final game before the big-kick.
Lawrence Shankland scored twice against Curacao, with youngster Findlay Curtis getting on the scoresheet too. Shankland scored again in the win over Boliva, while Che Adams got himself a brace.
Unlike their previous two major tournament appearances, Scotland’s forwards have found some form...
Scotland's talent to watch: Ben Gannon Doak
Saturday 13 June 2026 20:46 , Jamie BraidwoodThe winger made a huge difference for Scotland in World Cup qualifying, injecting a raw ability to beat a man out wide into a team that is often painfully one-paced. That Gannon Doak has barely played since the win over Denmark due to a hamstring injury, and only returned to action for Bournemouth shortly before the end of the season, could be an issue.
Scotland's star player: Scott McTominay
Saturday 13 June 2026 20:25 , Jamie BraidwoodThe glow-up since moving to Napoli has been wonderful. A scudetto-winning legend in Naples, nominated for last season’s Ballon d’Or, McTominay has developed an aura that brings genuine hope to the Tartan Army.
The overhead kick against Denmark will be replayed over and over, but we’ll take a tap-in in the USA. Either way, his ability to arrive into the box and produce a decisive moment could be crucial to getting through.
CHOOSE SCOTLAND 🏴🏆@ScotlandNT @LewisCapaldi pic.twitter.com/p31LR5QjjE
— adidas UK (@adidasUK) June 12, 2026
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide
Saturday 13 June 2026 19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodAre you all ready to party like it’s 1998? Scotland’s men are making their long-awaited return to a World Cup and the Tartan Army will be reunited with two of their group stage opponents from 28 years ago in Brazil and Morocco. Fancy that.
Haiti also join the fun and will be making just their second World Cup appearance, as well as their first since 1974. The Caribbean nation are first up for Steve Clark’s side, whose hopes of becoming the first Scotland team to advance from a group stage of a major tournament could rest on that opening clash in Foxborough. Ooft.
Group C, after all, is the only pool at this expanded World Cup to feature two top-10 nations in Brazil, the record five-time champions, and Morocco, the (massive asterisk) African champions and World Cup semi-finalists from four years ago. It’s a belter of a group.
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
Scotland's previous tournament openers: Germany humbling
Saturday 13 June 2026 19:17 , Jamie BraidwoodScotland returned to full crowds at Euro 2024, with the Tartan Army travelling to Germany in their thousands in a memorable tournament... off the pitch.
On it, Scotland were dire, perhaps the worst side at the Euros. Things got off to a bad start when they faced Germany in Munich, going down to 10 men early on and losing 5-1 to the hosts.
“Don’t get humped,” Steve Clarke replied when asked what he learned from that one...
IN PICTURES: Scotland fans taking over Boston
Saturday 13 June 2026 19:06 , Luke BakerThe Tartan Army travel well and, after 28 years since their last World Cup, they’re unsurprisingly out in force in the US.
Boston has become a sea of Saltires, even though we’re still seven hours away from kick-off.
Scotland's previous tournament openers: Hampden defeat
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:55 , Jamie BraidwoodScotland made their return to a major men’s tournament when they played Czech Republic at Hampden in their opening match of Euro 2020, in front of a crowd limited by the after-effects of the Covid pandemic.
And Scotland’s return fell a little flat, losing to the Czechs 2-0. That match is best remembered by Patrik Schick’s goal from the halfway line, which beat the unfortunate David Marshall.
Kenny McLean got his own back a few years later....
Scotland's Steve Clarke on respecting 'attacking, dynamic' Haiti
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:33 , Jamie BraidwoodScotland have been warned that they can’t take Haiti lightly before meeting in Boston tonight. Haiti are one of the lowest-ranked sides at the tournament, but Scotland can hardly afford to be dismissive of anyone...
“It's important we respect the opposition, make sure we're properly prepared, we play to the best of our ability and see what the result is,” Steve Clarke said.
“We've watched Haiti very closely, we respect their abilities on the pitch. Since they've qualified, they've improved the squad.
“We think we know how they'll play. We think we know their system. They have very dynamic players, especially the attacking players so we have to be careful.”
Preview: Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:17 , 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.
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
Scotland's possible line-up vs Haiti: Shankland up top?
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodIf Steve Clarke goes for 4-4-2, this is likely the team he will go for. Angus Gunn has not played much this season but was crucial for Scotland in November. Aaron Hickey is back fit and his return is welcome. It’s a toss-up between John Souttar and Jack Hendry at centre-back, with captain Andy Robertson at left-back.
Billy Gilmour is out of the World Cup so Lewis Ferguson takes charge of midfeild, along with Scott McTominay. Ben Gannon-Doak brings pace, and John McGinn can come off the wing. It may mean Ryan Christie misses out from the start.
That’s because Lawrence Shankland is in form and Clarke has figured out a way to play the striker next to Che Adams, who can drop deeper.
Possible Scotland XI: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland
Scotland's team news: Scott McTominay set to be fit for opener
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:03 , Jamie BraidwoodSteve Clarke said Scott McTominay would be available after an upset stomach but central defender Scott McKenna was out with a calf injury. On McTominay, Clarke said the Napoli midfielder was “perfect” and confirmed he was “ready to go”.
Scotland v Haiti: Don't forget the game is tonight!
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:01 , Jamie BraidwoodKick-off time is 9pm ET on Saturday 13 June, in Boston!
In the UK, kick-off is 2am BST on Sunday 14 June.
You want to make sure you get that right.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1.10am BST, or stream it live on BBC iPlayer.
Viewers in the US can watch the game on Fox.
Is Scotland vs Haiti on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup game
Good evening and welcome
Saturday 13 June 2026 18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe countdown is on as Scotland build up to their long-awaited World Cup opener against Haiti in Boston.
The Tartan Army are back on the men’s World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, and they have been immediately thrust into a must-win game.
Group C is difficult, with Brazil and Morocco also opponents, so Scotland’s opener in Boston in a golden opportunity to get three points on the board.
One win, with the right goal difference, could be enough to qualify for the knockout stages at this 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Scotland have never, in their history, made it out of a group stage at a men’s major tournament. Kick off is at 2am in the UK, but Scotland’s return will be worth the wait.
