In Massachusetts, two countries that have been away from the FIFA World Cup for a long time will compete as Haiti and Scotland launch their Group C campaigns with significant points at stake.
On Sunday, Scotland and Haiti will commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup journeys at Boston Stadium, fully aware that a win could be vital in a tough Group C that also includes five-time world champions Brazil and current AFCON champions Morocco.
This tournament is particularly significant for Haiti as it marks their first appearance in 52 years. The Grenadiers’ earlier World Cup participation was in 1974, where they faced three defeats and a total of 14 goals against them. However, optimism is high following a successful qualification campaign in which they recorded six wins and two draws out of ten CONCACAF matches.
Haiti secured their spot with consecutive wins against Costa Rica and Nicaragua in November 2025. However, their journey has been shaped by ongoing security issues within their nation, which necessitated hosting all home qualifiers in Curacao. Furthermore, head coach Sebastien Migne has not visited Haiti since taking on his role 18 months ago.
Currently ranked 83rd in the FIFA rankings and the second-lowest among the tournament participants, Haiti’s results in the lead-up to the World Cup have been varied. After a loss to Tunisia and a draw against Iceland earlier this year, they rebounded with a commanding 4-0 victory against New Zealand, but concluded their preparation with a tight 2-1 defeat to Peru.
For the Grenadiers, claiming victory over Scotland is likely crucial for maintaining prospects of advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time.
In contrast, Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, eager to change a record that has long frustrated fans and players alike.
The Tartan Army has never advanced beyond the group stage in any major tournament, having been eliminated in all 12 prior instances in World Cups and European Championships. Under the guidance of Steve Clarke, they aim to alter this narrative in North America.
Scotland’s qualification was dramatic, having finished at the top of their UEFA qualifying group. A remarkable 4-2 win over Denmark, highlighted by late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, secured their place. Fans have celebrated their qualification journey, with official social media channels sharing poignant highlights leading up to their long-awaited World Cup return.
Although Scotland faced losses against Japan and Ivory Coast in March, they bounced back strongly. Victories against Curacao and Bolivia have boosted their confidence, with eight goals scored in those matches.
The official Scotland NT X account released a motivational video showcasing critical moments from their qualification journey as they prepare for their first World Cup match in 28 years.
A victory over Haiti would set a solid foundation before facing Brazil and Morocco in the subsequent matches of the group stage.
Team News
Haiti approaches the match without significant injury issues, and head coach Sebastien Migne is likely to stick with the 4-4-2 formation adopted in recent friendlies. Veteran goalkeeper and captain Johny Placide is expected to lead the team from the back, with a defense that likely includes Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix, and Martin Experience.
In the midfield, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from Wolves is anticipated to play a crucial role, while Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor is expected to partner record goalscorer Duckens Nazon in the forward position. Nazon has netted 44 goals in 78 appearances for Haiti, marking him as the team’s leading threat.
Scotland will miss midfielder Billy Gilmour due to injury, but Scott McTominay is back in training after a brief illness and is likely to play. Defender Scott McKenna remains questionable following missed training sessions.
Steve Clarke has various midfield options, including Lewis Ferguson, Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie, and young talent Tyler Fletcher from Manchester United.
John McGinn is set to feature on the left side of midfield, while Rangers striker Lawrence Shankland could be rewarded with a starting position after his contributions of three goals and an assist in recent outings against Curacao and Bolivia. Che Adams is likely to partner him upfront.
In goal, Clarke faces a decision between Angus Gunn and veteran Craig Gordon, who is notably the oldest player participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at 43 years of age.
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 forecasts a scoreline of Haiti 1-2 Scotland
Haiti has demonstrated determination throughout the qualifying rounds and includes attacking options that could challenge any defense, particularly through Duckens Nazon and Wilson Isidor. Yet, Scotland seems to be entering the tournament with stronger momentum, represented by comprehensive victories over Curacao and Bolivia.
The experience brought by players such as McTominay, McGinn, and Adams, along with Scotland’s recent attacking capabilities, might be decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested match. While Scotland’s greater experience and form could offer an advantage, Haiti possesses the quality and resolve to provide the Tartan Army with a formidable challenge in their World Cup opening match.
