Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIs this the year to finally make it to the knockout stages of a major tournament?That's the question on the minds of Scotland fans as they prepare for their opening game of Group C, and their first World Cup game for 28 years.Standing in their way are Haiti, who are making their first appearance at a finals since going out in the group stage in 1974. Kick-off is set for 9pm local time (2am UK time).Haiti vs Scotland predictionScotland's magic evening against Denmark helped earn Steve Clarke's side automatic qualification for this summer's tournament, with just one loss to their name in what had looked to be a potentially tricky group.Their warm-up for this World Cup included a 4-1 comeback victory over Curacao, who finished above Haiti in the initial CONCACAF group stage. But that game offered a slight note of concern in spit of the scoreline: they had gone 1-0 down early on and only romped to victory after Jurgen Locadia was dismissed seven minutes before half time. You may like How to watch Haiti vs Scotland for FREE Scotland injury news latest as Scott McTominay misses training before World Cup opener Scotland's World Cup 2026 fixtures: Dates, kick-off times and group stage schedule Another four-goal showing against Bolivia - with all four scored in the first half - helped dispel some of those doubts, and the question now is whether Scotland can play their best stuff on the big stage.Napoli's Scott McTominay is likely to be pivotal in central midfield, ably supported by the likes of Aston Villa's John McGinn, Tottenham's new signing Andy Robertson, and in-form Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Haiti are not to be underestimated, though. Political strife meant they had to play their entire qualification campaign away from home, but they nonetheless found their way through two group stages to book their place in the competition.An intense high-pressing, counter-attacking side at their best, Haiti have looked defensively fragile at times, but can be a threat if they are able to surge forward at pace.With Wolves man Jean-Ricner Bellegarde a relatively recent addition in central midfield and Sunderland's Wilson Isidor leading the line, there is genuine Premier League pedigree in the Haiti side.They have been unfortunate to be drawn in one of the toughest of the 12 groups, and both sides will be treating this one as a must-win if they are to have a realistic chance of making it through...but we are predicting the Scots to get the job done.Score prediction: Haiti 0-2 ScotlandTOPICSScotlandHaitiWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
