Scotland are counting down the hours until they play their first men’s World Cup match in 28 years, with the Tartan Army’s long-awaited return against Haiti potentially crucial to their chances of getting through to the knockout stages.
Steve Clarke’s side, who sealed their qualification after a sensational win over Denmark in November, were also drawn with Brazil and Morocco in Group C – two of their opponents from the last time they played on the global stage in 1998.
Haiti are among the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup and three points could be enough to go through as one of the best-ranked third-place sides, so Scotland’s opening game in Boston is seen as a “must-win” opportunity.
Scotland’s talisman Scott McTominay is likely to be fit after returning to training after a stomach bug, while captain Andy Robertson has urged his team to have “no regrets” following two winless appearances at European Championships in 2021 and 2024.
Can Scotland get a priceless win tonight? Follow updates from Scotland v Haiti, below
Preview: Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy
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.
Scotland’s possible line-up vs Haiti: Shankland up top?
If Steve Clarke goes for 4-4-2, this is likely the team he will go for. Angus Gunn has not played much this season but was crucial for Scotland in November. Aaron Hickey is back fit and his return is welcome. It’s a toss-up between John Souttar and Jack Hendry at centre-back, with captain Andy Robertson at left-back.
Billy Gilmour is out of the World Cup so Lewis Ferguson takes charge of midfeild, along with Scott McTominay. Ben Gannon-Doak brings pace, and John McGinn can come off the wing. It may mean Ryan Christie misses out from the start.
That’s because Lawrence Shankland is in form and Clarke has figured out a way to play the striker next to Che Adams, who can drop deeper.
Possible Scotland XI: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland
Scotland’s team news: Scott McTominay set to be fit for opener
Steve Clarke said Scott McTominay would be available after an upset stomach but central defender Scott McKenna was out with a calf injury. On McTominay, Clarke said the Napoli midfielder was “perfect” and confirmed he was “ready to go”.
Scotland v Haiti: Don’t forget the game is tonight!
Kick-off time is 9pm ET on Saturday 13 June, in Boston!
In the UK, kick-off is 2am BST on Sunday 14 June.
You want to make sure you get that right.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1.10am BST, or stream it live on BBC iPlayer.
Viewers in the US can watch the game on Fox.
Good evening and welcome
The countdown is on as Scotland build up to their long-awaited World Cup opener against Haiti in Boston.
The Tartan Army are back on the men’s World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, and they have been immediately thrust into a must-win game.
Group C is difficult, with Brazil and Morocco also opponents, so Scotland’s opener in Boston in a golden opportunity to get three points on the board.
One win, with the right goal difference, could be enough to qualify for the knockout stages at this 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Scotland have never, in their history, made it out of a group stage at a men’s major tournament. Kick off is at 2am in the UK, but Scotland’s return will be worth the wait.
