Scotland clung on despite intense late pressure to beat Haiti on their long-awaited World Cup return, winning at a major tournament for the first time in 30 years.
John McGinn got the decisive goal, firing a deflected effort beyond Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide after a brilliant Ben Gannon-Doak cross forced the issue.
Haiti, who never looked out of the game, fought until the very end in search of an equaliser, with striker Frantzdy Pierrot seeing a late header go agonisingly wide in what was probably the Caribbean nation's best chance of the game.
But by clinging onto their clean sheet, Scotland were able to get the win over the line in a legacy-defining triumph for Steve Clarke, whose side go top of Group B after Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
Relive all the action from Scotland v Haiti, below
Scotland v Haiti LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- Scotland beat Haiti on return to World Cup for first time in 28 years
- Steve Clarke's side go top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco draw
- 85' CLOSE! Haiti come inches away from late equaliser with Pierrot header [HAI 0-1 SCO]
- 28' GOAL! McGinn's deflected strike sends Scottish fans into raptures [HAI 0-1 SCO]
- 17' OFF THE POST! McTominay rattles woodwork from inside box [HAI 0-0 SCO]
Clarke: About time
04:35 , Alan Smith
“Absolutely,” a releived Scotland coach tells the BBC. “I said to the captain Andy Robertson that it's about time we won in the group stage. We probably put the supporters through it a little bit. Everyone said it was a must win game. We won the game.”
Old hands and new
04:25 , Alan Smith
31-238 - At 31 years, 238 days old, John McGinn is the oldest player to score for Scotland at the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Kenny Dalglish (31-103) vs. New Zealand in 1982.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2026
Breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/uiFqsM6Uip
19-255 - At 19 years, 255 days old, Findlay Curtis is the youngest player to appear for Scotland at the FIFA World Cup.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2026
Usurped. https://t.co/16NPHgqUDd
McGinn: Not my best but who cares?
04:17 , Alan Smith
Speaking to the BBC the matchwinner says: “It wasn't my best of goals but who cares? I scuffed it a little bit. Haiti are a decent team. It's a must-win game and we won.”
04:07 , Alan Smith
That said Steve Clarke is beaming on the sideline while his players make sure to cherish the moment, applauding the thousands of travelling fans.
04:06 , Alan Smith
The Scotland fans are dancing to Yes sir, I can boogie and enjoying every second of this moment - a first win on this stage in 36 years.
This was the match they had to win to stand any chance of progressing - and they did it, keeping a clean sheet. Will Steve Clarke be thrilled with the overall performance? No. But they managed the match well, repelling a Haitian side that may lack firepower but was determined and had a clear game plan.
Full-time! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:02 , Alan Smith
And that’s the end. Scotland have lift off at the 2026 World Cup. They lead group C after the first round of games thanks to John McGinn’s first-half goal. It was ugly for long spells but that will not matter a jot to the Tartan Army.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:01 , Alan Smith
97’ - When play resumes Experience shows a lack of by driving well over from distance. A waste for Haiti, a relief for Scotland.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
04:00 , Alan Smith
96’ - Watching it back while Casimir continues to receive treatment, you could argue McLean is lucky not to see red for that. It lacked force but it was so high that, well, we’ve all seen them given.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:59 , Alan Smith
95’ - McLean is booked for a really, really bad tackle on Casimir - planting his studs on the Haitian’s knee. He is down in a lot of discomfort and that means added time on to the added time with Haiti having a free kick about 40 yards from goal on the left.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland.
03:58 , Alan Smith
94’ - Dykes commits a foul but Bellegarde wastes the free kick with his worst delivery of the night. Another minute closer.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:57 , Alan Smith
93’ - Haiti are going a bit more direct now. And it doesn’t suit them. A long diagonal pass goes out for a throw in which kills another couple of precious seconds.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:55 , Alan Smith
91’ - Curtis gains some ground on the left and hangs yet another cross in. It’s cleared and he is then booked for a high boot that collides with Casimir.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:54 , Alan Smith
90’ - Six added minutes. Six more minutes for Scotland to hold on.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:53 , Alan Smith
89’ - All 11 Scotland players are sitting back, happy to let Haiti play in front of them. The tension is dialing up by the minute.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:51 , Alan Smith
87’ - Curtis attempts to find Dykes with a cross from the left. It’s off track but it does ease the pressure for a moment.
Fortune favours the brave
03:50 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Haiti have replaced Providence with Fortune. Which do they need most?
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:49 , Alan Smith
85’ - A massive let off. Pierrot rises high in front of Hanley but he is unable to direct a free header on target, instead powering wide.
Another Haiti change sees Fortune replaced Providence. The incoming player apparently used to be an Arsenal youth team player.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:47 , Alan Smith
82’ - The final two Scotland changes.
Curtis replaces McGinn, who may still end up being the night’s hero. McLean is on for Shankland, who offered so little up front.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:45 , Alan Smith
80’ - Ten minutes plus added time. Can Scotland hold out? They are getting a little more nervy. Joseph and Providence do well down Haiti’s left. Patterson blocks for another corner.
We see Rod on screen again. He has a cocktail alongside his glass of wine.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:43 , Alan Smith
79’ - The pressure is beginning to dial up. Bellegarde has a shot blocked by Hanley (it hits his arm but it’s by his side), Providence then has a go and Patterson blocks. Another corner. Providence swings it in and, with everyone back, Dykes heads it clear.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:41 , Alan Smith
77’ - Haiti have a corner after McTominay tracks back well to shut down some danger on the right. Hanley heads the delivery wide.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:39 , Alan Smith
75’ - Changes for both teams.
Adams, Hickey and Gannon-Doak are all off for Scotland. Patterson, Christie and Dykes are on.
For Haiti, Joseph jogs on in place of Isidor.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:38 , Alan Smith
73’ - McGinn - oh so close. Hickey heads it on to the earlier goalscorer and he has a glorious chance to make it 2-0. But he rushes a bit with Ade closing him down and sends it wide.
And now Haiti go down the other end. Providence delivers a ball towards Isidor that causes a brief moment of panic. It goes out for a goal kick. Scotland sigh with relief.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:36 , Alan Smith
72’ - From that free kick Jacques then grapples with McTominay in the box. The Napoli star wants a penalty. The referee is not interested. Scotland subs are imminent.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:35 , Alan Smith
70’ - We’re back underway. Within seconds Jacques fouls McGinn down Scotland’s left, prime position for Robertson to cross.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:31 , Alan Smith
67’ - Time for the hydration break.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:30 , Alan Smith
66’ - Haiti pop it around on halfway but Scotland are proving so difficult to break down and, so far, not displaying a huge amount of anxiety.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:28 , Alan Smith
64’ - Shankland may have had little come off in attack so far but he is putting in a shift - winning a free kick in his own third after dropping back to steal from Casimir.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:25 , Alan Smith
61’ - Haiti make a change Casimir, of Auxerre, is on for Deedson, who was pretty decent in the opening half but has faded from the action in the second.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:23 , Alan Smith
59’ - Pierrot wants a pen following the slightest grapple with Hendry. Play continues and Scotland counter down the left, a move ending with Shankland winning a corner.
Ferguson’s delivery is planted on the head of Adams but Haiti then clear.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:22 , Alan Smith
57’ - It’s all bitty, scrappy and that is suiting Scotland quite well - for now. Haiti closed the first half playing some nice stuff and looking dangerous. They are less dynamic here so far in the second period.
This could get nervy
03:22 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Scotland could do with a second here. This has the potential to get nervy.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:19 , Alan Smith
55’ - Better from Scotland. Robertson sticks in an inviting ball from the left. Shankland stretches but cannot reach it cleanly. Gannon-Doak does and wins a corner.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:17 , Alan Smith
53’ - Providence hangs up a decent cross from the left that no Haiti team-mate is able to meet. It’s a warning for Scotland.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:16 , Alan Smith
52’ - It remains stop start, no discernible pattern developing since the restart. We’re already up to 26 fouls.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:13 , Alan Smith
49’ - Gannon-Doak continues to get the better of Experience, earning a foul that should be punishable with a yellow since it’s rather similar to what Hickey has just been booked for. Instead it’s just a free kick, which does not result in a meaningful attack.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:10 , Alan Smith
47’ - Hickey goes into the book for a tug on Providence.
Restarted! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
03:09 , Alan Smith
46’ - Haiti resume with a novelty - passing it back instead of immediately launching it.
03:09 , Alan Smith
The players are back out, limbering up for another edgy half of football. Scotland must keep their cool if Haiti continue to pile the pressure on.
The 'Mc' omen
03:02 , Richard Jolly
John McGinn is only the second "Mc" ever to score for Scotland in a World Cup.
The first was Stuart McCall, and Scotland won that game, which may be a good omen. Or perhaps completely irrelevant.
It's all coming up claret and blue
02:58 , Alan Smith
HAI 🇭🇹 0-1 🏴 SCO (37') - John McGinn 🏴 becomes the first Aston Villa player to score for a British nation at the World Cup in nearly 36 YEARS.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) June 14, 2026
The previous one was David Platt 🏴, with England v Italy, in the 3rd-place play-off at Italy 1990 (07/07/1990).
Top of the group
02:54 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Half way there. As it stands, Scotland are top of the group, above Brazil and Morocco.
Half-time! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:52 , Alan Smith
And that’s the break. What a moment for McGinn - but Scotland have a lot of work left to do tonight.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:51 , Alan Smith
48’ - McGinn uses his body well to win a free-kick and earn Scotland a bit of respite as we approach the interval.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:48 , Alan Smith
45’ - There will be four minutes added on. Haiti already appear desperate to equalise, pushing as if it was the end of the second half rather than first.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:46 , Alan Smith
44’ - Adams and Ade jostle under a high ball. The Haitian player wins a free kick.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:45 , Alan Smith
41’ - Haiti are now very much playing with a 4-2-4 and Bellegarde, who seems to have no end to his battery, is not far off making it five attackers when in possession. That could mean plenty of space for Scotland to break but, for now, they are sitting compact.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:40 , Alan Smith
37’ - There is a real fluidity to some of Haiti’s play. Bellegarde steals from McGinn and charges forward, finding Pierrot who then attempts to play in Isidor but it is slightly off track and Scotland are relieved.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:37 , Alan Smith
34’ - Bellegarde whips in a deep free towards Pierrot. The ball is a good one, the execution at the end of it leaves much to be desired. Moments after Providence cuts in from the left and takes a shot that Gunn spills. The offside flag goes up but it is a glimpse of some unconvincing goalkeeping.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:35 , Alan Smith
33’ - Gannon-Doak, who has been fantastic, jinks down the right and picks out Shankland. The recent Rangers signing heads across the face of goal and wide.
Scotland's first World Cup goal for 28 years
02:34 , Richard Jolly
What a moment for John McGinn. He didn't do himself justice in Euro 2024 but now the Scotland cult hero has their first World Cup goal for 28 years.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
02:33 , Alan Smith
McGinn’s finish is deflected in via two Haiti players, though his shot is on target, but huge credit must go to Adams. He takes down a long ball over the top from Hanley with a marvellous first touch. From there he feeds Gannon-Doak on the right. A bit of trickery follows, then a cross towards Adams, whose flick is blocked into McGinn’s direction near the penalty spot. The Aston Villa man shoots and it squirms in. What a moment for Scotland.
GOAL! Haiti 0-1 Scotland (McGinn, 28)
02:31 , Alan Smith
And Scotland lead - 28 minutes into their first World Cup match for 28 years!
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:30 , Alan Smith
28’ - Isidor hits the deck again following a duel with Hanley. Play continues. The Haiti forward must be a bit more canny if he is to get a foul from these situations.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:29 , Alan Smith
26’ - We’re back underway.
Do we really need a hydration break at night?
02:28 , Richard Jolly in New York
Can't see we really need a hydration break here. It is almost 9.30 in the evening in Massachusetts and dark. It was hot earlier. Rather less so without the sun.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:26 , Alan Smith
23’ - Isidor wants a penalty after going down (softly) under pressure from Hanley when meeting a Deedson cross. It’s never in a million years going to be given.
Now we’ll have the hydration break and John McGinn is quick to stick a bag of ice on his neck.
In the stands Rod Stewart is enjoying a glass of rose in the posh seats. Is that allowed? Who knows about the nuances of such rules in the Fifa bubble.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:23 , Alan Smith
21’ - If Scotland are to find joy, right now it looks like it will come from the flanks with Gannon-Doak and Robertson both prospering. Shankland, on the other hand, needs to steady - his first touch has been poor on a couple of occassions. This latest misjudgment sees him slap his hands together in frustration.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:20 , Alan Smith
17’ - McTominay rattles the goalframe! The midfielder has go from just inside the box following more good work by Gannon-Doak down the left and his clean strike comes back off the post. That’s the best chance so far.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:18 , Alan Smith
16’ - Smart from Hendry as he keeps strong to deal with a cross from the left when under pressure from Isidor, who commits a foul for a push on the back.
It’s a bit Australian Rules now: stop start, quick free kicks as if the players are taking marks.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:17 , Alan Smith
15’ - Haiti are indeed looking to impress themselves a bit. Scotland appear more direct, which is no bad thing, and it’s proving a decent enough watch - if nowhere near the smoothness of Morocco’s first-half performance earlier on.
Haiti making the noise
02:15 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Now we have had the first real choruses from the Haiti fans. And with three shots already, their team have shown a bit of a threat, too.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:14 , Alan Smith
12’ - Bellegarde blasts over after Deedson did well to hold the ball up and then lay it off.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:12 , Alan Smith
10’ - Isidor attempts to turn near halfway but he is clumsy and clatters into Ferguson, giving Scotland a free kick.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:09 , Alan Smith
7’ - It’s certainly lively. Robertson crosses from the left and McTominay rises sky high, meeting the delivery with his forehead. Except it sails over.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:08 , Alan Smith
6’ - Scrap that. Shankland coughs the ball up too easily, permitting Haiti to advance for the first time. Deedson shoots harmlessly wide.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:07 , Alan Smith
4’ - This is a decent start. Shankland has quarter of a sight of goal and while the punt is blocked the intent is positive.
Haiti are yet to settle.
Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:06 , Alan Smith
3’ - Scotland seek to make themselves known early on. A reasonable amount of possession ends with Gannon-Doak sending a shot straight at Placide in the Haiti goal.
Kick-off! Haiti 0-0 Scotland
02:02 , Alan Smith
It’s 9:03pm in Boston, it’s 2:03am in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
And we’re finally underway, Scotland going long from the centre.
02:00 , Alan Smith
Another match that will kick off a little late owing to the hosts’ formalities overrunning. But when you’ve waited 28 years, what’s another couple of minutes.
01:58 , Alan Smith
A belting rendition of Flower of Scotland is followed by many, many handshakes.
How are the nerves, Scotland fans?
Haiti: what to expect
01:58 , Alan Smith
Few among us will pretend otherwise that a read of the World Soccer guide has been required to develop a knowledge of Haiti’s football but Sebastien Migne, their head coach, will instruct his players to go into this with plenty of energy and not wait for the match to come to them.
Wilson Isidor, of Sunderland, is the most familiar name in a squad with several players who play their club football in the US.
01:54 , Alan Smith
Sirius is blaring out - as now the norm before Gianni’s 104 Super Bowls - while the players make another long walk from tunnel to centre circle in an L-shape because that’s just the way things are in these stadiums designed for NFL.
Hampden Park transported to Massachusetts
01:53 , Richard Jolly in Boston
It has felt like Hampden Park has been transported to Massachusetts for the night. I haven't spotted too many Haiti fans yet - which may be because of a Trumpian travel ban, though they do have a diaspora in the US.
Almost time
01:52 , Alan Smith
The atmosphere looks really good for this one. The sun has set at the home of the New England Patriots. The players are in the tunnel. And for Scotland the time they have been waiting a generation witness has arrived.
Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti has said tonight, were nervous in their opener. Steve Clarke’s biggest challenge here must be to ensure his players are not fraught with anxiety.
Experienced Scotland
01:48 , Alan Smith
Six of Scotland’s starting XI are aged 30 or over. Two more are 29. They have so much experience but none of it in a World Cup; little of it with the entire world’s footballing population watching.
Tartan Army heard loud and clear - despite Gillette Stadium's best efforts
01:45 , Richard Jolly in Boston
Slightly disappointingly, an indoor press box here - which probably makes sense for the Boston winters, but which means we may not hear the Scotland fans at their full volume. Although we will still very much hear them.
Can the Scots handle the heat?
01:41 , Will Castle
It’s a scorching 31C in Boston today, which you have to feel will play into the hands of Caribbean nation Haiti rather than the Scots, who are more used to the wind and rain...
Andy Robertson’s simple legacy desire
01:37 , Alan Smith
“We just hope after the World Cup the buzz is still there."
Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
4-4-2: it's back
01:32 , Alan Smith
Expect both sides to line up with two banks of four for this. Three other teams so far have too.
It’s so obviously back in fashion.
Fans fill into Gillette Stadium
01:29 , Will Castle
Can Scotland escape its World Cup group?
01:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Predict the winner of Scotland's group stage matches....
Scotland's big chance
01:14 , Will Castle
Scotland haven’t won a match at a major tournament in 30 years - but if they beat Haiti tonight, they’ll end the day at the top of a World Cup group.
That’s because Brazil and Morocco, who make up the other half of Group C, just played out a 1-1 stalemate at MetLife Stadium!
Click below for reaction to that game - but don’t go for too long, as kick off is only 45 minutes away!
Brazil v Morocco LIVE: Score and updates from entertaining World Cup clash
Scotland team have arrived
01:08 , Luke Baker
The Scots were out inspecting the Boston pitch after arriving a littler earlier
Roberston's message of appreciation
01:00 , Alan Smith
"We hope we inspire the next generation to go out and kick a ball with their brother, mates or sister,” said Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, seemingly referencing the commercialisation and costs of this World Cup, in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “I did that with my brother in the back garden and with my mates.
“Society and football has become more expensive, but people can always kick a can down the road as they say. This is obviously on the world stage. We see back home how excited kids, parents and grandparents are.”
Haiti team news: Isidor and Bellegarde among starters
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:56 , Alan Smith
And here’s the Haiti team. Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, as well as Sunderland frontman Wilson Isidor, are some of the recognisable names facing Steve Clarke’s side tonight.
Haiti XI: Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence, Pierrot, Isidor.
Scotland team news: McTominay starts, Gunn in goal
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:53 , Luke Baker
As expected, Scott McTominay does start for Scotland - having sufficiently recovered from his illness this week.
Steve Clarke has also plumped for Angus Gunn in goal, rather than veteran Craig Gordon, while Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland play together up front, leaving the likes of Ross Stewart and Lyndon Dykes as options off the bench.
Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley are the centre-backs, with John Souttar on the bench, while Andy Robertson captains the side from left-back.
Scotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn; Adams, Shankland.
🔢 Your Scotland team for our @FIFAWorldCup opener.#HAISCO | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/qkeBqyfTXR
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 13, 2026
Boston invaded by the Tartan Army
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:45 , Richard Jolly in Boston
The Americans are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence but, on part of Boston's famous Freedom Trail, there was an invasion by a foreign force: the Tartan Army.
There were kilted Scots everywhere in Boston's historic centre, at least until they decamped to Foxborough. They hired Massachusetts' yellow school buses for the journey south.
The 28-year wait for a World Cup game has turned this into even more of an occasion for the Scots. It should be quite a night.
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:40 , Alan Smith
8 - Scotland have failed to advance from the first round in any of their previous eight appearances at the FIFA World Cup, more often than any other side yet to make it to the second round.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 13, 2026
Pressure. https://t.co/aIh7vvhtbZ pic.twitter.com/4NTrnwcnyj
Now they must win
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:30 , Richard Jolly in Boston
A couple of years ago, the slogan, at least outside the dressing room, was “No Scotland, no party”. Now it is different. The core of Andy Robertson’s message was “no regrets”.
No man has captained Scotland in more games, nor led them in three major tournaments. But the first two have provided disappointment. Instead of no regrets, there were no wins. Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024, but it was a false start for them, walloped 5-1 by Germany. Performances were more respectable in Euro 2020 but the outcome was the same: one point apiece.
Now the objective is to go one better and win a game, to do something that has eluded every previous Scotland side and reach the knockout stages of a tournament. “We want to do something special,” said Steve Clarke, a manager who often deals in cautious rhetoric allowing himself to dream.
Haitian players to watch
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:20 , Alan Smith
Star player: Duckens Nazon. The captain scored six goals in qualifying and leads the line for his nation.
Breakout talent: Wilson Isidor. Coming off an excellent season at Sunderland, the French-born Isidor has switched allegiances.
What to expect from Haiti
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:10 , Alan Smith
Haiti qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years despite not playing a single game at home; meaning that their coach, the Frenchman Sebastien Migne, has actually never set foot in the Caribbean nation. Armed gangs have taken over the capital Port-au-Prince, displacing an estimated 1.5 million people, and a humanitarian crisis engulfs the country.
Haiti played all of their qualifiers away from home, including their ‘home’ games 500 miles away in Curacao, but overcame the odds to beat Nicaragua 2-0 in their final qualifier and join Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in Group C. All but one of Haiti’s 26-man squad plays their football outside of Haiti and Woodensky Pierre, who is based there, only received his US visa last week. Fans from Haiti are banned from travelling to the United States but there is a large diaspora who will hope to roar their nation to a first ever World Cup win.
Scott McTominay 'perfect' and 'ready to go' for Scotland's World Cup opener
Sunday 14 June 2026 00:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Good news for Scotland. Steve Clarke confirmed that Scott McTominay is “perfect” and “ready to go” ahead of Scotland’s opening game against Haiti.
He nevertheless sought to relieve the pressure on McTominay to be the matchwinner.
“I think I have 26 superstars here,” he said. “If you try and put so much on to one player is not fair. Some daft coach put him as a centre-half five years ago, obviously he's not a centre-half.”
Scotland squad in full
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:52 , Alan Smith
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Finlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)
Coach: Steve Clarke
Steve Clarke stresses that Scotland will not underestimate Haiti
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:46 , Jamie Braidwood
Haiti produced an eye-catching performance as they defeated New Zealand 3-0 in one of their World Cup warm-up matches in Florida, but Scotland boss Steve Clarke did not need to be told that the Tartan Army face a difficult opening game against the Caribbean nation.
“We’ve got a terrible habit, not just in Scotland, but in the UK in general, of looking at these nations and thinking they’re not very good, or (looking at) whatever their ranking in the world,” he said. “But they play in a different section of the world, so maybe in their section, they’re really good.
“And if you watched them play the other night against New Zealand, they were much better than New Zealand. Big, strong physical, but not only big, strong physical… also technical. They have good players who play in good leagues.
“I was never under any illusion, it was going be a tough game, and it’s probably nice that some people get to see how they played the other night, because it’s going be a difficult game for us.”
Haiti squad in full
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:40 , Alan Smith
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux), Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)
Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Experience (Nancy), Jean-Kevin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Ade (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Presov)
Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josue Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Caykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros).
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:31 , Jack Rathborn
Haiti have been forced into a late change on their World Cup 2026 shirts after Fifa accused them of violating its regulations on political speech.
Haiti, preparing to kick off their World Cup in Group C against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, previously had a shirt that depicted a war scene from the country's battle for independence.
But shirt manufacturer Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that a swift, late change had been made after collaborating with the Haitian Football Federation on the design.
It previously was said to be geared towards "celebrating the pride, resilience, and spirit" of the Haitian people, with the Colombian manufacturer emphasising that it did not intend it to be a political statement.
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
Everything worth knowing about in Group C
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:22 , Alan Smith
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
Haiti's incredible World Cup story
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Haiti qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years despite not playing a single game at home; meaning that their coach, the Frenchman Sebastien Migne, has actually never set foot in the Caribbean nation. Armed gangs have taken over the capital Port-au-Prince, displacing an estimated 1.5 million people, and a humanitarian crisis engulfs the country.
Haiti played all of their qualifiers away from home, including their ‘home’ games 500 miles away in Curacao, but overcame the odds to beat Nicaragua 2-0 in their final qualifier and join Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in Group C. All but one of Haiti’s 26-man squad plays their football outside of Haiti and Woodensky Pierre, who is based there, only received his US visa shortly before the tournament.
Fans from Haiti are banned from travelling to the United States but there is a large diaspora who will hope to roar their nation to a first ever World Cup win.
IN PICTURES: Scotland fans taking over Boston
Saturday 13 June 2026 23:05 , Luke Baker
Kick-off is edging ever closer but the Scotland fans were out on the streets of Boston from early this morning
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
