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Haiti return to the World Cup stage for the first time in more than five decades, with their main goal being to improve on their difficult debut in 1974, when they lost all three matches and conceded 14 goals. The Grenadiers earned qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament through a disciplined and determined campaign, collecting six wins and two draws across 10 CONCACAF qualifiers. Crucial victories over Costa Rica (1-0) and Nicaragua (2-0) in November 2025 ultimately secured their place in North America.

Their achievement becomes even more remarkable considering the difficult circumstances surrounding the national team. Due to the ongoing security situation in Haiti, all “home” matches had to be played in Curaçao, while head coach Sébastien Migné has yet to visit the country since taking charge 18 months ago.

Ranked 83rd in the FIFA standings and among the lowest-ranked teams at the tournament, Haiti endured mixed results in pre-World Cup friendlies. They narrowly lost to Tunisia, drew with Iceland, then delivered an eye-catching 4-0 victory over New Zealand before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Peru in their final preparation match. With challenging opponents awaiting in Group C, Haiti know that a positive start against Scotland could prove decisive in any hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

Scotland, meanwhile, return for their ninth World Cup appearance, and fate has handed them a familiar challenge. Drawn alongside Brazil and Morocco — the same teams who contributed to their group-stage exit in 1998 — the Scots are determined to rewrite history.

Steve Clarke’s side qualified dramatically after winning four of six UEFA qualifiers, sealing top spot with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark, highlighted by late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean. Although Scotland suffered narrow defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast in March friendlies, they quickly regained momentum with convincing wins over Curaçao (4-1) and Bolivia (4-0).

Confidence is growing within the squad, and another high-scoring display would see Scotland achieve a feat not accomplished since the late 1920s — three consecutive victories while scoring at least four goals in each match.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Haiti and Scotland, and for the Tartan Army, opening with three points feels essential. After failing to progress beyond the group stage in all 12 previous appearances at major tournaments, Scotland are desperate to finally end their long-standing knockout curse.

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

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