Haiti vs Scotland summary: score, stats, goals & highlights | World Cup 2026 Group C

Thanks for reading!

After a night that witnessed a huge, long-awaited win for the Scots on their World Cup return, we're going to wrap up this live feed.

Today's tournament action concludes shortly (midnight ET), when Australia and Turkey meet in Vancouver. That's in Group D - a section now led by the U.S., after their thumping win over Paraguay yesterday.

Tomorrow, we then see some big names open up their campaigns: the Netherlands meet Japan in Group F at 4:00 p.m. ET, after four-time champions Germany take on Curaçao in Group E. That's a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff in Houston, and my colleague Dane Arlauckas will be talking you through the action in Texas.

Sunday's World Cup schedule in full:

1:00 p.m. ET: Germany vs Curaçao

4:00 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs Japan

7:00 p.m. ET: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador

10:00 p.m. ET: Sweden vs Tunisia

What's next for Haiti in Group C?

Haiti, meanwhile, now face a matchup with Brazil - a team ranked 77 places above the Grenadiers.

That game, also on June 19, is to be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field - home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles - is at 8:30 p.m. ET.

What's next for Scotland in Group C?

Having begun with a win today, Scotland now turn their attentions to a matchday-two clash with Morocco - the team that sent them tumbling out in 1998.

Scotland and Morocco meet on Friday, June 19, with Gillette Stadium again the venue. That's a 6:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Scotland's John McGinn celebrates at Gillette Stadium.

Scots win opener for first time since 1982

Not only is this Scotland's first World Cup win in 36 years; it's Scotland's first matchday-one World Cup win in 44 years.

Joy for the Tartan Army

The Scottish fans are, very loudly, expressing their delight at that win. 

A reminder: depending on goal difference, three points may well be enough to go through at least as a third-placed finisher. Get one more point across matchdays two and three, moreover, and Steve Clarke's men will almost certainly be in the knockouts.

Writing in Forbes this week, the data scientist Giovanni Malloy presented the results of 100,000 group-stage simulations. “In the simulation, third-place teams with three points advanced 55.3% of the time,” Malloy said. 

“Four-point teams advanced 99.5% of the time.”

How things now stand in Group C

It all looks rather good for Scotland, who sit above Brazil and Morocco. Haiti go straight to the bottom of the group, but they really played rather well. On another night, that Pierrot header drops into the Scottish net and the Grenadiers have a point. 

Peeep peeep peeep! Scotland hold off Haiti and have a huge, huge three points!

The Scots have their first World Cup win in 36 years, and go top of Group C.

That stoppage for treatment for Casimir means we're getting more than the advertised six minutes.

Experience shoots from range, and Experience misses from range.

Scotland are so close.

Casimir is left in a heap, and in some pain, by that McLean challenge.

Haiti want the referee to have another look at the tackle on the monitor, but that's not happening, it appears. It was a poor challenge, though.

McLean is booked for a high, reckless challenge on Casimir on the left.

It's needless, and gives the Haitians another useful set-piece chance. 

Bellegarde drifts a free-kick into the area, but Scotland clear. It wasn't a good delivery.

A moment later, though, Haiti work it to Pierrot, who has space too shoot inside the Scotland box. Pierrot's falling over, though - and that prevents him from getting a good connection on it.

He can only plop his shot right into Gunn's arms.

Here come Haiti once more.

From the right, a powerful cross is fizzed into the Scotland area... but it beats everyone and runs out for a Scotland throw-in.

Curtis is now booked for a foul.

Not for now: it's Scotland who go on the attack.

Curtis has looked lively since coming on, and bustles forward once more. He twists and turns towards the byline, before clipping a cross into the middle. It's dealt with, though.

Six minutes of time added on.

We've had one stoppage-time equalizer already today. Will we be getting another?

Scotland's Angus Gunn (right) reacts as Haiti's Frantzdy Pierrot looks dejected.

Scotland's attacking threat has dwindled to a minimum of late, but Curtis produces some enterprising play here.

On the left, he spins before lifting a right-footed ball into the area, towards Dykes. It's too long for his fellow subsitute, but that's a bit better from the Scots. They're too deep.

Haiti replace Providence with Fortune.

Haiti keep it in the Scotland half... before very, very nearly creating the equalizer!

Pierrot gets to the right-wing cross before Hanley, and glances it towards Gunn's right-hand corner. It looks like it's flying into the net - but it finally flashes just, just wide!

A massive let-off for Scotland.

More Scotland changes. Curtis and McLean are on for McGinn and Shankland.

The Scots finally get out and over the halfway line.

But in the blink of an eye, the Haitians are haring forward on the break.

The counter yields a corner, which Scotland clear. But Haiti get possession right back.

Haiti are pushing Scotland back right now.

First, the Scots have to clear another Haitian corner. A moment later, Providence shoots from range - but doesn't catch it right. It bobbles through to Gunn.

Scotland cannot afford to let Haiti set up camp in their half like this.

Haiti win a corner, on the right, but Hanley heads away.

The Haitians come again. As always, it's down the left, Casimir working it to Bellegard to shoot. 

Shoot he does, but it's blocked.

Substitutions for both teams.

Patterson, Christie and Dykes are on for the Scots, with Hickey, Gannon-Doak and Adams making way.

For Haiti, Joseph is on for Isidor.

And back come Haiti, working it to Providence on the left. He drops a shoulder, jinks inside and shoots - but can't find Gunn's far corner!

Again Robertson delivers from the left, but Haiti clear.

Not for long, though. Hickey stoops to head it forward to McGinn, who's suddenly in space to shoot inside the Haiti box.

Can McGinn double Scotland's lead? No: he drags it wide of Placide's left-hand post. McGinn appeals for a foul, but the referee is not interested.

Robertson swings a left-wing free-kick into the area, where multiple Scotland players end up on the floor. No penalty, says Mr. Ghorbal.

Cooling break over, we're underway once more.

Hydration break!

Scotland are three-quarters of the way to a very, very significant win. After all, three points may well be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed finishers. What's more, their toughest games are still to come: first Morocco, then Brazil.

From the left, Delcroix slings a slightly hopeful ball into the area - but Pierrot almost gets on the end of it.

Delcroix's delivery just evades Pierrot's outstretched boot, and it runs through to Gunn.

Scotland's Aaron Hickey fights for the ball wih Haiti's Frantzdy Pierrot in Foxborough.

Casimir is immediately into the action, tussling for the ball with Shankland on the right wing. 

Shankland finally emerges with it - and gets a free-kick for Casimir's overzealous attempts to dispossess him.

From the right-hand channel, just inside the Haiti half, Robertson drifts a high ball into the penalty box. The Haitians deal with it.

Sebastien Migné makes the game's first substitution. Casimir is on, with Deedson making way.

Experience does his best to create one here, firing in another cross from the left. Nothing doing, though.

An hour gone at Gillette Stadium. One-nil it remains.

Can Haiti find a leveller?

At one end, Pierrot falls to the floor in search of a penalty, but is told: no, sir.

At the other end, Robertson again sends in a left-wing ball towards Shankland. The attack yields a corner, but the corner yields zilch.

Scotland's John McGinn (left) in action against Haiti's Louicius Deedson.

Ooh, that's a delicious delivery from Robertson.

Receiving from McGinn, the left-back wraps his boot around a ball that is right where the Haiti defense can't deal with it. 

Shankland stretches to connect with it - but can't quite reach it.

Gannon-Doak has put a shift in going forward - and now he does likewise going backward. He shows excellent hustle to win it back, and roars with delight.

The corner is taken short to Providence, who pings a really very dangerous cross over to the far post.

It's hit with pace and whip, and just needs the most minimal of contact. It doesn't get it.

Haiti, meanwhile, are doing pretty much all of their attacking down the left.

Experience tries to whip a left-footed ball into the Scotland area, but it deflects off Hickey and behind for a Haiti corner.

Gannon-Doak is very much the target of Scotland's forward play.

This time, however, he can't do much with the ball. A long hoof is sent forward in the winger's direction, but it's too long a hoof.

Gannon-Doak very much has the beating of his man now, though. He absolutely skins Experience, who has no option but to bring him down. Worth a yellow card, perhaps? Mr. Ghorbal doesn't think so.

Scotland create their first forward foray of the second half, searching out Gannon-Doak on the right.

He's been a pretty constant menace so far tonight, but on this occasion he's effectively dealt with by Delcroix. The Haiti defender steps across to shoulder Gannon-Doak off it and clear the danger.

Right away, Hickey picks up a yellow for fouling Providence on the right wing.

It's an immediate set-piece chance for the Grenadiers, but Bellegarde's ball into the area is rubbish. It flies high, over everyone's heads, and right down Gunn's gullet.

Peeeeep! We're back underway.

Second half imminent

The players are now emerging from the locker rooms in Foxborough.

It's not immediately clear whether there are any half-time changes.

John McGinn (right) beats Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide (third left) to put the Scots ahead.

Scots sick of the sight of the Seleção

On the subject of Brazil, incidentally: this is the fifth time that Scotland have been drawn with the South Americans in a World Cup group stage.

The teams were also paired together in 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998.

World Cup 2026

A masterclass from Vini, a statement from Morocco

Courtesy of my colleagues Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez and Javier Gálvez, we have a match report from today's opening Group C game.

Given that Brazil vs Morocco ended 1-1, Scotland are - as things stand - going top of the group.

McGinn emulates King Kenny

McGinn is officially the oldest Scotland player to score at a men's World Cup, Opta note.

McGinn's moment

John McGinn (top) celebrates after giving Scotland the lead.

When did Scotland last win a World Cup game?

Should Scotland see it out from this winning position, by the way, it'll be their first victory at a men's World Cup in 36 years.

The Scots last won a game at the tournament in 1990, when goals by Stuart McCall and Mo Johnston gave Andy Roxburgh's team a 2-1 victory over Sweden on matchday two in Italy.

Peep peep peeeep! That's half time in Massachusetts. Enjoyed that.

For now, Scotland lead through John McGinn's 27th-minute strike.

Haiti really do have a goal in them.

Again they aim their attack down the left. This time, Jean Jacques plays the ball across the top of the box - and, for a moment, the Scottish defenders are scrambling.

Nobody in a white shirt can pounce on the ball, however. Scotland clear.

On the Haitian left flank, Providence and Hickey tussle furiously for the ball. Finally, Providence is penalized. He, like Adams a moment before him, is rather aggrieved with Mr. Ghorbal's decision.

Four minutes of time added on at Gillette Stadium.

At the other end, Pierrot pulls down a cross into the Scotland box, but is flagged offside.

Che Adams thinks he's outmuscled Ade to win the ball on the edge of the Haiti penalty area. But the referee deems Adams to have fouled his man in the process.

Adams does not agree.

At the other end, Deedson's cross finds the head of Pierrot - but his is a weak effort. No trouble for Gunn.

Now it's Scotland's turn to send a free-kick into the box.

From a position deep on the left, Robertson lifts it high into the area, where it's headed on dangerously.

So dangerously, indeed, that Scots are queuing up to bury the knockdown. It's only the alert defending of Jean Jacques, who hooks it away, that saves the Haitians.

Bellegarde brings McTominay down, and receives the game's first booking.

Well, it must be said: Haiti have responded very well to going behind.

Back come the Grenadiers, working it to Pierrot just on the edge of the Scotland box. With orange-and-purple shirts backpedalling furiously, Pierrot has a chance to carry it on into the box.

He can't control, though. A let-off for the Scots.

Another Haiti free-kick, and another header off target.

Bellegarde's cross is clipped in with plenty of place, and Isidor has plenty of room to meet his near-post header. Too much room.

But no matter for the Scots: Isidor glances it well wide.

Just for a moment, there's panic in the Scottish defense.

Advancing down the left, Providence pings a low ball into the Scotland area, where Gunn should claim.

But he doesn't - and two white shirts immediately pounce on it. The flag is up, though.

Here, though, is a chance for Haiti to reply from a dead ball.

From the right, the set piece is fizzed into the area - but Ade heads off target.

For now, Scotland have their tails up. No question.

From the right, Gannon-Doak is again key. His whipped delivery is right on Shankland's bonce, but the new Rangers signing can't direct it goalwards! He glances across Placide's goal and behind.

Haiti have been lively going forward - but we'll have to see how they react to going behind.

Forward come Scotland - but when the attack breaks down, Haiti pour forward.

On the left-hand side of the Scottish penalty box, Isidor again falls to the floor. This time under Grant Hanley's challenge.

It's never a penalty in a million years, and the referee concurs.

Hydration break over: we're back underway in Foxborough.

Haiti's Ruben Providence passes the ball with Scotland defenders crowding around him.

Hydration-break time.

It's been an open, very watchable first quarter.

The game's ding-dong dynamic hits a brief lull now, as Haiti keep it for a decent old period.

Having popped it about just inside the Scotland half for a good minute or so, the Grenadiers finally work it right to Deedson, who is quick to whip a ball into the mixer.

Deedson's delivery flies into Gunn's arms, but not before Isidor flops to the turf in search of a spot-kick. He does not get one.

It's been fun so far. No goals as yet, but plenty of desire - from both sides - to provide is with one.

End to end stuff at Gillette Stadium.

First, Gannon-Doak turns his man inside out before laying it off for McTominay to shoot from the edge of the box. McTominay connects beautifully with his strike - but it bounces back off the post!

Immediately, Haiti launch a quick counter. Haring forward down the right-hand channel, Deedson tries an outside-of-the-boot ball into the area - and it is a very good try. Nobody in a white shirt is there to meet it, but that's not Deedson's fault: he aimed it nicely down the corridor of uncertainty.

Yep, the Haitians are now giving as good as they get in attack.

Once again it's incisive play down the left wing, where Experience wraps his foot around a cross into the area. Isidor rises to meet it at the back post - but nods just wide. Ah, and he fouled Hendry in the process, anyway.

Scotland's Ben Gannon-Doak shoots at goal.

It's been lively opening in Massachusetts. It certainly doesn't look like a game that's going to end goalless.

That said, we won't be getting any goals with deliveries like this one from Bellegarde. The Haiti midfielder tries to clip a dead ball into the box, but succeeds only clipping a dead ball over everyone's heads.

And now Bellegarde has a dig from just outside of the Scotland box.

It's a decent enough position, but he shanks it high and into the stands.

Well now: Scotland have had more of the attacking play so far, but Haiti look capable of creating, too.

On the left, Providence makes the most of Scottish dallying to nick possession and cross into the middle, where Isidor is waiting. He can't get his sort his feet out. 

Robertson slips the ball inside to McTominay, before buzzing forward in search of the return.

Said return is overhit, however. It flies out for a Haiti throw.

Back come Scotland, though, finding Robertson in crossing space on the left.

Cross he does - right onto McTominay's head. The Napoli midfielder rises very high to meet Robertson's ball, but can only nod over the bar.

Ah, but there's an early warning shot from Haiti, too.

Deedson is given too much time and space to carry the ball forward into shooting range, whence he pulls the trigger.

But, like Gannon-Doak a few moments earlier, his shot is a bit of a trundler. It rolls well wide of Gunn's goal.

Scotland have started with real attacking purpose.

Clarke's men come pouring forward again, working it to Shankland just inside the Haiti area. He collects, steadies himself and tries to steer a shot into Placide's far corner - but immediately has a gaggle of white shirts on top of him.

Shankland's shot is blocked.

It's all Scotland ball in these very earliest stages.

Gannon-Doak shows quick feet to dance inside from the right-hand flank, opening up his body for a left-footed shot from 25 yards or so.

He doesn't catch it quite right, though, and his strike isn't going to trouble Placide.

Ben Gannon-Doak is making World Cup history for Scotland, incidentally.

Peeeeep! Mr. Ghorbal gets us underway!

Ready to go at Gillette Stadium!

Haiti are playing in all white, by the way, with Scotland in orange and purple.

It's just about game time!

Who's the referee tonight?

Algeria's Mustapha Ghorbal will be the man in the middle.

Ghorbal's assistant referees are his compatriots Mokrane Gourari and Abbes Akram Zerhouni.

-The fourth official will be Spain’s Alejandro Hernández.

And a reminder of how the Scots are lining up:

A last look at the Haiti lineup:

And now: O Flower of Scotland.

As expected, the Scots - both players and fans - are belting it out. 

Oh, fantastic stuff.

Teams out in Foxborough!

Haiti and Scotland have both emerged from the tunnel at Gillette Stadium, where it's time for the anthems.

Haiti first.

World Cup 2026

The World Cup jersey banned by FIFA for being too political

Also on the subject of FIFA rules: Haiti's kit has fallen foul of them.

My colleague Joe Brennan has more.

World Cup 2026

How do hydration breaks work during the 2026 World Cup and how long do they last?

For the full lowdown on FIFA's introduction of mandatory cooling breaks, take a look at this explainer by my colleague Roddy Cons.

World Cup water breaks

A reminder that this is the first men's World Cup that will have mandatory, three-minute water breaks at the midpoint of each half.

FIFA announced the rule change in December. Previously, cooling breaks had only been used at the World Cup if temperatures crossed a maximum threshold.

Have Haiti and Scotland met before?

Nope! This is their first ever meeting.

What the coaches said: Sebastien Migné

At a glance: Haiti's recent form

Last five results:

Jun. 5: Haiti 1-2 Peru, friendly
Jun. 2: Haiti 4-0 New Zealand, friendly
Mar. 31: Haiti 1-1 Iceland, friendly
Mar. 28: Haiti 0-1 Tunisia, friendly
Nov. 18: Haiti 2-0 Nicaragua, WCQ

The second-lowest-ranked nation at the World Cup

Ranked at 83 in the world, Haiti are the bookmakers' distant outsiders in Group C (+10000 to finish first).

That said, the Haitians joined the Scots in registering a four-goal display in the leadup to this World Cup.

Earlier this month, Haiti romped to a 4-0 victory over New Zealand - the only lower-ranked team at the 2026 tournament. The Haitians then followed that win up with a defeat to Peru in Miami last weekend.

What the coaches said: Steve Clarke

At a glance: Scotland's recent form

Last five results:

Jun. 6: Bolivia 0-4 Scotland, friendly
May 30: Scotland 4-1 Curaçao, friendly
Mar. 31: Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast, friendly
Mar. 28: Scotland 0-1 Japan, friendly
Nov. 18: Scotland 4-2 Denmark, WCQ

Third could be good enough this time, though…

In 2026, progression to the knockout stages has been made more straightforward by the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams. 

It means we have a format where some third-placed finishers - eight, to be precise - also qualify for the next round. Previously, it was only the top two who went through.

Glorious Gemmill despatches the Dutch

And on their way to that famous, 3-2 win over the Netherlands, Scotland scored one of the World Cup's all-time great goals.

But!

It would be remiss of me not to point out that Scotland's eight World Cup group-stage exits include three consecutive occasions - '74, ’78 and ’82 - when they only went out on goal difference.

In ’74, indeed, they were unbeaten in a group featuring Brazil, who they drew with. And four years later, the Scots beat the Netherlands, the eventual runners-up, but were pipped by the Dutch for second place.

Can Scotland break group-stage duck?

Were Scotland to make it out of Group C, it would be a milestone moment for them.

While the Haitians are zero for one when it comes to negotiating the opening round, the Scots are zero for eight. They fell at the first hurdle in - checks notes - 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998.

What are the Scots' Group C odds?

At 41, the Scots are the third-highest ranked team in Group C, behind Brazil at six and Morocco at seven.

And, accordingly, Steve Clarke's men are third favorites in the group, per the bookies. They have +1000 moneyline odds of winning their section.

World Cup

Brazil 1 vs 1 Morocco summary: updates, stats, goals and highlights | 2026 World Cup Group C

By the way, it's all over at MetLife Stadium, where Brazil and Morocco have shared the points. There were no further goals in New Jersey, so 1-1 it ends.

That gives Scotland and Haiti the chance to take top spot after matchday one.

Here's what my colleague Dane Arlauckas made of Brazil 1-1 Morocco.

That's a focused-for-business face if ever I've seen one from Mr. McTominay.

A Haiti fan soaks up the atmosphere ahead of kickoff in Foxborough.

“Too dangerous”

Indeed, Haiti coach Migné has never actually been to the country. 

“It's impossible because it's too dangerous," he told an interview in the French media (translated quote via Reuters). "I usually live in the countries where I work, but I can't here. There are no more international flights landing there."

How did Haiti reach the 2026 World Cup?

Coached by the Frenchman Sebastien Migné, Haiti ended their 52-year absence from the World Cup by winning their group in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying.

The Grenadiers finished ahead of Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua - despite not being able to play their home games in Haiti. 

Because of the current humanitarian and security crisis in the Caribbean country, they had to relocate to Curaçao.

How did Haiti get on last time they were at the World Cup?

Not tremendously, it must be said. Their World Cup record currently reads: P3 L3.

It goes without saying, then, that the Haitians finished bottom of their group in 1974, having conceded 14 times across their three games against Italy, Poland and Argentina.

That included a 7-0 shellacking by the Poles.

Haiti’s half-century of hurt

As for Haiti, it's taken them almost twice as long as the Scots to get back to a World Cup

The Grenadiers haven’t appeared at the finals since the 1974 World Cup, played in what was then West Germany.

I could spend all day watching the fan-filmed footage of Scotland supporters' reactions to McLean's worldie.

How did Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

After nearly three decades away, the Scots made it back to the World Cup by topping UEFA qualifying Group C, ahead of Denmark, Greece and Belarus.

In November last year, Scotland stamped their ticket to North America with a thrilling, golazo-filled win over the Danes at Hampden.

They needed to beat the Scandinavians - and did so 4-2. They had two very late, very wonderful goals to thank for that. First, Kieran Tierney rifled in a stoppage-time third, before Kenny McLean made sure - with a goal from the halfway line.

Oh, and Scott McTominay opened the scoring with an overhead kick for the ages, too. It was a truly unforgettable night in Glasgow.

I think - think - that's a Scotland fan.

Haiti lineup confirmed

We now have confirmation of Haiti's XI at Gillette Stadium. Sebastien Migné has gone with: Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Bellegarde, Jean Jacques, Deedson, Providence, Isidor, Pierrot.

No changes to the team that began the Grenadiers' final tournament tuneup - a 2-1 defeat to Peru last weekend.

Clarke a Scotland history maker

The first Scotland head coach ever to lead the men's team to three major tournaments, Clarke is now the longest-serving boss in the side's history - when it comes to games managed, at least.

His 78 matches at the helm are seven more than Craig Brown, the man in charge when Scotland were last at the World Cup.

Clarke is, indeed, now very much in the conversation when it comes to identifying Scotland's greatest ever boss.

Clarke leads Scots out of major-tournament wilderness

After that group-stage exit in 1998, six World Cup qualifying campaigns came and went, without success. That marked, by a distance, Scotland’s longest ever absence from the FIFA tournament. Previously, they had missed no more than three in a row.

What’s more, there were also five straight failures to reach the European Championship.

But after being appointed in 2019, Steve Clarke steered the team back to the Euros in 2020, and reached the tournament again in 2024.

And then came the big one: He led them to their World Cup return.

Three decades of hurt for the Scots

So: For Scotland, the wait to return to a World Cup has lasted 28 years.

The last we saw of the Scots at the tournament was a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in Saint-Étienne, back on June 23, 1998.

It was a game that saw Scotland exit at the group stage yet again at a World Cup - and also witnessed the team's only ever red card at the tournament. Craig Burley, who had netted the Scots' leveller against Norway in the previous match, was dismissed for a wild hack.

Gordon rubs shoulders with CR7, Modric

In case you're interested, here are the top five oldest players at the 2026 World Cup. Gordon, it is fair to say, is keeping some pretty esteemed company.

1. Craig Gordon: Scotland (43 years & 164 days)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal (41 & 128)
3. Guillermo Ochoa: Mexico (40 & 335)
4. Luka Modric: Croatia (40 & 277)
5. Edin Dzeko: Bosnia-Herzegovina (40 & 88)

No World Cup history - yet - for Gordon

In goal, Angus Gunn starts for the Scots - ahead of the 2026 tournament's oldest player. Now aged 43 years and 164 days old (I make it), Craig Gordon starts on the bench. 

Should Gordon see any game time at this summer's tournament, he'll become the second oldest player ever to make an appearance at the men's World Cup. He's only be behind fellow goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played for Egypt at the age of 45 years and 161 days old in 2018.

McGinn for Christie as Scots make one change

Steve Clarke makes just the one change to the Scotland team that began its final World Cup warm-up, against Bolivia a week ago: John McGinn comes into the team, with Ryan Christie making way.

Scott McTominay had been affected by a stomach bug in the leadup to today's game, but Clarke reassured reporters yesterday that the Napoli man is now back in “perfect” nick.

Scotland lineup confirmed

Back to Gillette Stadium, though: we have a confirmed Scotland XI. Steve Clarke has picked his team thusly: Gunn, Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson, Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn, Adams, Shankland.

World Cup 2026

Lopetegui’s Qatar miracle sinks Swiss hearts

Here's our match report from that draw at Levi's Stadium.

It's a result that leaves Group B very much on a knife edge after matchday one. After all, the section's other two teams - Bosnia-Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada - also drew 1-1 in Toronto yesterday.

Any other World Cup action today?

Yep: in Group B's second game so far, Switzerland and Qatar met in Santa Clara, California, earlier today. And it was a historic one for the Qataris.

A late, late  leveller by Boualem Khoukhi earned the Maroons a 1-1 draw and their first ever World Cup point, against a Swiss team that came into this tournament as firm favorites to win their section.

World Cup

Brazil vs Morocco live online: updates, stats, goals and highlights | 2026 World Cup Group C

And you can follow live-text coverage of that Brazil vs Morocco matchup right here at AS USA.

My colleague Dane Arlauckas has minute-by-minute commentary of the action at MetLife Stadium.

Haiti vs Scotland follows clash of Group C favorites

In today’s opening Group C clash, the section’s two clear frontrunners are squaring up in New Jersey as we speak.

At MetLife Stadium - the venue for next month’s final - five-time champions Brazil are into the second half of their clash with 2022 semifinalists Morocco. It’s currently 1-1: Ismael Saibari gave the Atlas Lions the lead at the midpoint of the first half, before Vinícius Júnior levelled for the Seleção on the half-hour mark.

What time is kickoff at Gillette Stadium?

We're about an hour and a half away from kickoff in Massachusetts, where Haiti and Scotland meet in the day's second Group C clash. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium, the home of the NFL's New England Patriots, is at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Team news, of course, will be up here just as soon as its emerges 

Haiti's half-century wait

But Scotland's is not the longest World Cup absence being broken tonight. Lining up opposite Steve Clarke's men will be a Haiti team whose only previous appearance at the finals came just over half a century ago. To be precise: 51 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Anyway, both teams' clocks return to zero this evening. Foxborough's Gillette Stadium is the setting, as the footballing world welcomes the Scots and the Haitians back to the international game’s biggest stage.

Haiti vs Scotland: welcome!

So: tonight, the clock finally stops on Scotland's wait for a men’s World Cup return, at 27 years, 11 months and 22 days. The last time the Scots were at the tournament, this 40-something writer was just into his teens. 

Indeed, I remember almost missing Scotland’s opening game at France '98, against defending champions Brazil, because my French class got held back for misbehavior. (I was entirely blameless, I hasten to add.)