Haiti vs Scotland — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Group C's other opener pits Haiti, a rare and romantic World Cup presence, against a Scotland side ending a long wait of their own to be back at the men's finals. Sebastien Migne's Haitians are athletic and fearless; Steve Clarke's Scotland are organised, experienced and carry genuine Premier League quality in Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson.
Scotland will expect to control this. They will build through midfield, get McTominay running beyond the striker and use set pieces as a weapon. Haiti, drawn from a diaspora of European and American clubs, will trust their pace and physicality on the break and try to make the night chaotic.
The favourites' tag sits firmly with Scotland, but Haiti's directness can punish any complacency. Expect Scotland to probe patiently and Haiti to look for one transition moment that changes the mood.
Key storylines
- 01Haiti's big stage: a rare World Cup appearance for the Caribbean side.
- 02Scotland are back: Clarke's men return to the men's World Cup after a long absence.
- 03Scott McTominay's late runs are Scotland's most reliable goal source.
- 04Andy Robertson's overlaps give Scotland width and crossing quality.
- 05Haiti's threat is in transition, where their athleticism can hurt anyone.
Prediction
Scotland's structure should win out. Friendly call: Haiti 0-2 Scotland.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Haiti
Formation 4-3-3- 1Johny Placide (GK)
- 2Carlens Arcus
- 3Ricardo Ade
- 4Hannes Delcroix
- 5Jean-Kevin Duverne
- 6Jim Bellegarde
- 7Danley Jean-Jacques
- 8Leverton Pierre
- 9Frantzdy Pierrot
- 10Duckens Nazon
- 11Wilde-Donald Guerrier
Scotland
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Angus Gunn (GK)
- 2Anthony Ralston
- 3Jack Hendry
- 4Grant Hanley
- 5Andy Robertson
- 6Billy Gilmour
- 7Scott McTominay
- 8John McGinn
- 9Ryan Christie
- 10Ben Doak
- 11Che Adams
Team news
Haiti
- Frantzdy Pierrot leads the Haiti attack as their main aerial and box presence.
- Haiti draw on a wide pool of players based in Europe and the Americas.
- Their best route to a result is fast, direct counter-attacking.
Scotland
- Scott McTominay is Scotland's biggest midfield goal threat.
- Andy Robertson captains the side and drives the attack from left-back.
- Scotland return to the men's World Cup for the first time in decades.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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