The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C campaign begins for <a href="/teams/haiti">Haiti</a> and <a href="/teams/scotland">Scotland</a> on Saturday, with both nations eager to make a strong statement in their opening fixture. While Scotland return to the global stage after a significant absence, Haiti embark on only their second ever World Cup journey.
What's at Stake
This encounter at Gillette Stadium marks a pivotal moment for both sides in a challenging Group C, which also features footballing giants Brazil and a strong Morocco outfit. For Scotland, this represents their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and securing three points against Haiti is considered vital for any hopes of progression. Anything less would be a significant disappointment for Steve Clarke's side.
Haiti's presence at the tournament is a remarkable achievement, their first since 1974, and comes after benefiting from the tournament's expansion. Their qualification story is particularly inspiring, having navigated their entire qualifying campaign away from home due to political instability in their nation. They will be determined to cause an upset and make a memorable return to the biggest stage. Both nations will be keenly aware of the <a href="/standings">Group C standings</a>.
Recent Form
Scotland arrives in North America having successfully navigated a competitive UEFA qualifying group, finishing top of Group C with four wins, one draw, and one loss. Their qualification was dramatically sealed with a 4-2 victory over Denmark in their final qualifier. However, their Euro 2024 campaign saw them exit at the group stage with just a single point. Recent warm-up matches included comfortable wins against Curaçao and Bolivia.
Haiti secured their spot by topping Group C in the Third Round of Concacaf Qualifiers, a historic achievement for the Caribbean nation. They demonstrated resilience throughout their qualification journey, losing only one match in the second round and finishing above strong regional opponents in the third round. Their World Cup preparations concluded with a commanding 4-0 win over New Zealand, followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Peru.
Team News and Injuries
Scotland manager Steve Clarke faces some injury concerns ahead of the opener. Midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury sustained in a warm-up fixture against Curaçao, with Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher called up as his replacement. Key midfielder Scott McTominay, who missed a recent training session due to a stomach complaint, has since returned to the camp and is expected to be fit. Defender Scott McKenna is also a doubt with a knock. The Scots even cancelled a friendly against Norway due to these accumulating injury issues.
For Haiti, the main absentee is midfielder Leverton Pierre, who withdrew from the squad due to an Achilles tendon injury and has been replaced by Garven Metusala. Otherwise, manager Sebastien Migne reportedly has a fully fit squad at his disposal, which will be a boost for their opening match.
Predicted Lineups and Score Prediction
Haiti Predicted XI (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Deedson, Bellegarde, Jean Jacques, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot. Captain Johny Placide, at 38, brings vast experience in goal. Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is expected to be a pivotal figure in midfield, while Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor and Frantzdy Pierrot, with 34 goals in 51 caps, will lead the line. Duckens Nazon, Haiti's all-time leading goalscorer and a top performer in qualifiers, is another key attacking option.
Scotland Predicted XI (4-4-2): Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Shankland, Adams. Angus Gunn is expected to start in goal, protected by a back four including captain Andy Robertson. The midfield will likely feature the influential Scott McTominay alongside Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn, with Ben Gannon-Doak providing width. Up front, Lawrence Shankland, in good form, is set to partner Che Adams.
Score Prediction: Scotland enters this fixture as the clear favourite against a Haiti side ranked 41 places below them by FIFA. While Haiti will be motivated to surprise, Scotland's greater experience and firepower in midfield and attack should see them through. We predict a relatively comfortable victory for the Tartan Army. For more predictions, visit <a href="/predict">our predictions page</a>.
Haiti 0 - 2 Scotland
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
