Scotland vs Haiti: Tartan Army Praying for an Opening Victory

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·13 June 2026

Scotland vs Haiti: Tartan Army Praying for an Opening Victory

Scotland make their long-awaited return to the World Cup stage following a 28-year absence.

Haiti are the opponents, and both sides will be looking to get off to a flyer in Group C. With Brazil playing Morocco a few hours earlier, on paper, the clash against the Caribbean side is Scotland’s easiest test.

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This is Scotland, however, a nation that specialises in glorious failure, which snatches defeats from the jaws of victory. Steve Clarke will be wary of complacency ahead of the game, but having scored eight goals in friendlies against Curacao and Bolivia, confidence is high.

It has been 52 years since Haiti last played at the World Cup. In 1974, they lost all three group games, and the ultimate aim this year will be to secure a first-ever point at the finals.

A Huge Opportunity for Scotland

Scotland typically doesn’t make a good start to a World Cup campaign. Across eight previous appearances between 1954 and 1998, the Scots won just two of their opening eight group stage matches.

Five of those ended in defeat, and Scotland are on a run of three successive losses in their first match of the World Cup, going back to 1986.

Clarke will be desperate for this poor run to end, no doubt about that. Considering Morocco and Brazil matches follow the first game against Haiti, Scotland must seal all three points.

Four points from nine is likely to take the nation through to the knockout stages, but even three points with a decent goal difference could well be enough.

The key question is, just who does Clarke pick in the starting XI? Most of the players are fairly nailed on, but there are a few debates.

Lawrence Shankland scored three goals across the two warm-up friendlies, and he could cause plenty of damage against this Haitian defence.

Will Clarke go with a back four or a back five? Does Findlay Curtis start? There are so many questions. One thing is certain, though: three points are an absolute must.

Haiti Not Here Just to Make Up the Numbers

Haiti’s qualification was a miracle in itself. Indeed, the national team didn’t play a single qualifier at home due to gang violence and a humanitarian crisis.

The country was forced to play matches 500 miles away in Curaçao, while manager Sebastien Migne has yet to set foot in Haiti, despite taking charge back in 2024.

In 1974, Haiti suffered defeats to Italy, Poland and Argentina in West Germany. They did score twice at the tournament, but hopes are higher this time around.

There are no easy fixtures for Haiti in Group C. However, confidence should be taken from the 4-0 friendly win over fellow qualifiers New Zealand last week.

Whatever happens, making it to the World Cup finals is a wonderful achievement for a nation shrouded in controversy.