FIFA World Cup 2026: Haiti vs Scotland kick-off time, venue, squads
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Haiti and Scotland both make long-awaited returns to the FIFA World Cup 2026 stage when they meet in the opening Group C fixture at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, 15 June 2026, with kick-off set for 6:30 AM IST. For Scotland, it ends a 28-year absence from the tournament; for Haiti, the wait stretches back to 1974 — a gap of over five decades.
Scotland's Road to the World Cup
Manager Steve Clarke's side secured their berth after a 28-year wait and arrived in confident form, having dismantled Bolivia 4-0 in a pre-tournament friendly. Scotland are ranked 40th in the FIFA World Rankings, a significant advantage over their Group C opponents on paper.
Their group, however, presents stern tests ahead — Brazil and Morocco are the other heavyweights in Group C. A positive result against Haiti is therefore seen as near-essential if Scotland are to advance from the group stage.
Haiti's Historic Return
Haiti make their first World Cup appearance since 1974, ranked 83rd in the FIFA standings. The gap of more than five decades makes this one of the most remarkable comebacks in this edition of the tournament. Despite the ranking deficit against Scotland, the Haitian squad will be looking to announce their return with a statement result on the global stage.
Key Match Details
Date and kick-off: Sunday, 15 June 2026, 6:30 AM IST
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
Referee: Mustapha Ghorba
Group: Group C, Match 1
How to Watch in India
Live streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India is available on the Zee5 platform and app, though a paid subscription is required. Live television broadcast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
Full Squads
Haiti Squad
Goalkeepers: Josue Duverger, Alexandre Pierre, Johny Placide
Defenders: Ricardo Ade, Carlens Arcus, Hannes Delcroix, Jean-Kevin Duverne, Martin Experience, Duke Lacroix, Garven Metusala, Wilguens Paugain, Keeto Thermoncy
Midfielders: Carl Fred Sainte, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques, Woodensky Pierre, Dominique Simon
Forwards: Josue Casimir, Louicius Deedson, Derrick Etienne Jr, Yassin Fortune, Wilson Isidor, Lenny Joseph, Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Ruben Providence
Scotland Squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Finlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay
Forwards: Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart
With both nations desperate to make their mark after lengthy absences, this Group C opener promises an emotionally charged contest that could shape the trajectory of both campaigns at FIFA World Cup 2026.