Scotland will be eager to make a winning start to their 2026 World Cup campaign when they face Haiti in their opening Group C fixture.
After ending a 28-year absence from football’s biggest tournament, Steve Clarke’s side arrive in North America hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
A victory over Haiti would give the Scots a valuable platform ahead of tougher matches against Brazil and Morocco later in the group.
However, Haiti should not be underestimated. The Caribbean nation is appearing at its first World Cup since 1974. They have already shown their quality in the build-up to the tournament, including an impressive 4-0 victory over New Zealand in a recent friendly.
Both teams understand the importance of a positive result in their opening match. Scotland will start as slight favourites, but Haiti have earned plenty of respect with their recent performances. Steve Clarke has also warned his players against taking the challenge lightly.
With Brazil and Morocco expected to compete for the top two spots in Group C, this Haiti vs Scotland clash could prove crucial in the race for qualification. Three points would provide a major boost to either side’s hopes of reaching the last 32.
How to watch Haiti vs Scotland
Haiti vs Scotland kicks off at 02:00 BST on Sunday, June 14, at Boston Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Streaming is available through BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be available on Telemundo and Universo, with streaming via Peacock.
Canadian viewers can watch through TSN and RDS. Selected matches will also be shown on CTV, while streaming is available via TSN, RDS and Crave.
Haiti team news
Haiti will look to build around the pace and energy that helped them qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Much of their attacking threat is expected to come from Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. His movement and finishing ability make him the focal point of the side.
Duckens Nazon is another player Scotland must watch closely. The experienced forward is strong in the air and offers a physical presence inside the penalty area.
In midfield, Haiti are likely to rely on Danley Jean Jacques to provide balance and defensive protection. His ability to win possession and break up attacks could be vital against a Scotland side that enjoys controlling the ball.
The biggest challenge for Haiti will be dealing with Scotland’s physicality and set-piece threat. Even so, if they stay organised and make the most of counter-attacking opportunities, they have the quality to cause an upset.
Haiti expected XI:
Placide; Arcus, Adé, Lacroix, Christian; Jean Jacques, Leverton Pierre, Picault; Pierrot, Nazon, Isidor
Scotland team news
Scotland enter the tournament full of confidence after securing qualification and will be determined to make a strong start.
Much of their creativity is expected to come through Scott McTominay. Andy Robertson’s delivery from wide areas remains one of Scotland’s biggest attacking weapons. McTominay has also built a reputation for scoring important goals for club and country.
John McGinn is expected to play a key role in the final third. His energy, leadership and ability to arrive late in the box often make him one of Scotland’s most dangerous attacking players.
One concern for Steve Clarke could be finding enough cutting edge in front of goal. Scotland are usually well organised and difficult to break down, but they must be clinical if they want to secure all three points.
Scotland expected XI:
Gunn; Hendry, Souttar, Tierney; Hickey, McTominay, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Adams
Haiti vs Scotland stats
- Haiti and Scotland have never met in a senior international fixture.
- This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations.
- Scotland are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998.
- Steve Clarke’s side are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
- Haiti are competing at the World Cup for only the second time.
- Their previous appearance came in 1974.
- Scotland have lost just one of their last eight opening matches at major tournaments.
- Recent success has been built on defensive organisation, hard work and strong team spirit.
- Haiti have scored in seven of their last nine international matches.
Haiti vs Scotland prediction
Scotland head into this World Cup opener knowing it is a game they should win. With Brazil and Morocco still to come in Group C, a slow start could leave Steve Clarke’s side under pressure.
That said, Haiti deserve plenty of respect. They have worked hard to reach this stage and possess enough pace and physicality to cause problems in attack. Wilson Isidor and Duckens Nazon both carry a genuine goal threat, especially on the counter-attack.
Scotland should enjoy more possession throughout the match. Scott McTominay and John McGinn provide quality, energy and experience in midfield, while Andy Robertson’s delivery from wide areas remains a major weapon.
Haiti are unlikely to take many risks. Expect them to defend in numbers and look to exploit any space Scotland leave behind. If they can frustrate the Scots early, confidence will grow.
One key battle will be Scotland’s ability to break down a disciplined Haitian defence. Clarke’s side often look more comfortable when games are open, so patience may be required.
Overall, Scotland appear stronger across the pitch and have more experience at this level. Haiti are capable of making it competitive, but the Scots should create enough chances to get the job done.
Expect a hard-fought contest rather than a comfortable victory. Scotland’s organisation, midfield quality and strength from set pieces could prove decisive. A 2-0 win for Scotland looks like a reasonable Haiti vs Scotland prediction.
