Haiti - Scotland / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the Haiti vs. Scotland match in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, also broadcast live on JOJ Šport, kicks off at 3:00 AM ET.

Boston Stadium in Massachusetts will host a historic Group C clash. The national teams of Scotland and Haiti are set to meet for the very first time, with this match marking a long-awaited return to football's most prestigious stage for both sides after decades of absence. In a tough group featuring Brazil and Morocco, the math is clear. To maintain any realistic hope of reaching the knockout stages, both teams must secure a full three points early Sunday morning.

The 'islanders' boast significantly more experience against elite competition. Steve Clarke's squad, whose commitment to the national team bench was recently cemented with a new contract, ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance in grand style. The 'Tartan Army' found their stride perfectly before the tournament, evidenced by convincing June victories over Curaçao (4-1) and Bolivia (4-0). Should Scotland manage to score four goals for a third consecutive match, they would rewrite record books dating back almost a century.

However, the experienced manager is grappling with midfield absences. The injured Billy Gilmour is sidelined, while defender Scott McKenna and key midfielder Scott McTominay missed pre-match training due to stomach issues. Lewis Ferguson is expected to step into their roles in the starting eleven, with the dynamic John McGinn taking a wing position. Lawrence Shankland is slated to lead the attack. The new Rangers forward has been in superb scoring form recently and is set for a major World Cup debut.

While Scotland fine-tuned their form at home, their opponents had to overcome non-footballing obstacles. Haiti is making a World Cup appearance after an incredible 52 years. French coach Sébastien Migné achieved a miracle with the perceived underdog, having to organize and manage the entire national team from exile due to the extremely unstable political and security situation in the Caribbean nation. Their dominant qualifying campaign, however, propelled them to the tournament. Although they narrowly lost 2-1 to Peru in their final World Cup warm-up, they previously demonstrated their strength with a 4-0 demolition of New Zealand.

A huge advantage for the Caribbean squad is their fully fit roster. The defensive line will be marshaled by veteran goalkeeper, 38-year-old captain Johny Placide, supported by the reliable Hannes Delcroix. However, the greatest threat to Scotland's goal will come from their attacking lines. Migné has a luxurious forward pairing at his disposal – Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from English club Wolverhampton and Wilson Isidore. They will be further bolstered up front by Haiti's all-time leading scorer, Duckens Nazon.

Despite their immense determination, Haiti remains in a position where they can only surprise. Scotland ranks forty places higher in the FIFA standings, boasts players from significantly stronger leagues, and relies on a solid tactical structure. If Clarke's men can handle the pressure associated with the absence of several key players, their tactical maturity should lead to success.