Steve Clarke stresses that Scotland will not underestimate Haiti
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.”
Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 23:46
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).
Alan Smith13 June 2026 23:40
Haiti make change to World Cup 2026 shirt after Fifa complaint
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.
Jack Rathborn13 June 2026 23:31
Everything worth knowing about in Group C
Alan Smith13 June 2026 23:22
Haiti’s incredible World Cup story
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.
Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 23:17
IN PICTURES: Scotland fans taking over Boston
Kick-off is edging ever closer but the Scotland fans were out on the streets of Boston from early this morning
(PA)
(PA)
(Getty)
(Getty)
Luke Baker13 June 2026 23:05
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.
Richard Jolly, in Boston 13 June 2026 23:01
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
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 22:42
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher were among the big names to arrive in Boston ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years.
A host of celebrities and the Tartan Army have arrived in the Massachusetts capital with celebrations already beginning ahead of the team’s first match.
Actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan were among other famous guests who were greeted by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.
Ben Mitchell13 June 2026 22:30
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.
Jamie Braidwood13 June 2026 22:20