Group C outsiders Haiti and Scotland meet in Massachusetts to open their 2026 World Cup bids with the Tartan Army looking to get a winning start ahead of Brazil and Morocco clashes

Haiti and Scotland kick off their 2026 World Cup campaigns on Sunday in Massachusetts, meeting at Boston Stadium for a Group C opener that brings together two returning nations with something to prove. Both are seen as outsiders in a group containing five-time champions Brazil and current AFCON holders Morocco. With such heavyweight company, points from this opener could shape the trajectory of each side’s tournament.

The bookies are lining this one as a win for the Tartan Army with Sky Bet pricing Scotland at 8/13 while Haiti is 5/1 with Paddy Power and a draw is 3/1 with Ladbrokes. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

Haiti return to the finals after a 52-year wait, aiming to improve on their 1974 debut, when they lost all three matches and conceded 14 goals. Their path this time came through the expanded 48-team format, taking six wins and two draws from 10 CONCACAF qualifiers. They negotiated two group phases before sealing their spot with back-to-back victories over Costa Rica and Nicaragua in November 2025.

Off the pitch, circumstances have been demanding. Security issues at home meant all of Haiti’s designated home fixtures were staged in Curaçao, while head coach Sébastien Migné is understood not to have visited the country since taking charge 18 months ago.

Ranked 83rd and the tournament’s second-lowest side, the Grenadiers entered 2026 with mixed friendly results: defeat to Tunisia, a draw with Iceland, and a statement 4-0 win over New Zealand. A 2-1 loss to Peru in their final warm-up adds jeopardy, leaving Sunday’s meeting feeling pivotal to any hope of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

This is Scotland’s ninth World Cup. Fate has paired them again with Brazil and Morocco — the same nations who helped consign them to the bottom of their group at France 1998.

Steve Clarke’s team qualified in dramatic style, finishing top of their UEFA section courtesy of a 4-2 win over Denmark in which late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean turned the match, with McLean scoring from the halfway line.

After friendly defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast in March, Scotland responded assertively, putting four goals past both Curaçao and Bolivia. Another four-goal display on Sunday would mark their first run since 1928-29 of three straight victories with at least four goals in each.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Scotland and Haiti. With Brazil and Morocco looming, the Tartan Army will feel this is a must-win to fuel a rare deep run. The setting at Boston Stadium offers a lively stage for two teams eager to seize early momentum.

Haiti vs Scotland Prediction

• Scotland to win to nil - 7/5 (Paddy Power)
• Over 2.5 goals for Scotland - 9/4 (Sky Bet)
• Scott McTominay to score anytime - 2/1 (Ladbrokes)

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Haiti vs Scotland Team News

Haiti have no injury concerns and could stick with the 4-4-2 used in their last two friendlies. Captain Johny Placide is expected in goal, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde set to start and Wilson Isidor likely to partner record scorer Duckens Nazon (44 goals) up front.

Scotland are without Billy Gilmour (knee), while Scott McTominay is a minor doubt after missing training with illness. John McGinn should feature in a 4-4-2, Lawrence Shankland is tipped to start in attack, and Angus Gunn is the likelier choice over Craig Gordon in goal.

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