Scotland and Haiti will play their Group C opener in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gillette Stadium in the Boston suburbs on Saturday, June 14, 2026 [1, 2].
Scotland qualified for the tournament after a dramatic playoff win against Denmark in November 2025, securing their first World Cup appearance since 1998 [1, 2]. Haiti, making only their second World Cup appearance after 1974, also enter the tournament without any prior knockout stage appearances for either team [2].
In preparation for the match, Scotland's midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from a stomach bug and is expected to play. Kenny McLean praised McTominay's importance to the squad, saying, "He is a true talent, a special player, an amazing guy and an amazing part of the team" [1, 2]. Scotland's forward line remains a key selection question, with Lawrence Shankland and Ché Adams vying for starting roles [1].
Haiti showed mixed form in warm-up fixtures, impressing with a 4-0 win over New Zealand but falling 2-1 to Peru [1]. Haiti's forwards Wilson Isidor and Duckens Nazon are expected to test Scotland's defense with counterattacks [1].
Scotland has conceded only one goal and scored eight in warm-up matches against Bolivia and Curaçao, indicating solid form ahead of the tournament start [1].
The match marks an important step for both teams aiming to advance beyond the group stage, where neither has succeeded before [2]. Both squads will be eager to start the tournament strongly at Gillette Stadium on June 14.
