Scotland has officially commenced their match against Haiti in Foxborough, with Jack Hendry initiating play and successfully gaining ground for his team. The early moments showcase some impressive rugby tactics.
There’s no question about it: the anthem “I mean, we could be top of the group, but as I immediately thought after the end of Brazil-Morocco, what if we’re bottom?” resonates powerfully.
Sporting their alternate pink uniforms, which appear to be quite popular among fans, Scotland has seen more supporters donning pink shirts than their traditional dark navy attire.
The atmosphere is electric in Foxborough, with hype videos capturing the excitement as Boston Stadium fills to capacity. A large segment of the Haitian community resides on the U.S. East Coast, and Scotland’s fans have also made the journey in significant numbers. The anthems are set to play next.
Family Connections Help Haiti Overcome World Cup Absence
Tamy Michel reflects on her upbringing, where she witnessed her father navigate the challenges of running a football club amidst the chaos of prison and political instability in Haiti.
Solange Michel led Baltimore SC, one of Haiti’s premier clubs, for nearly two decades. Despite facing imprisonment during the political turmoil of the 1990s, the club endured. Later, Tamy’s aunt, Simone Desvarieux, took the reins, and the family has been integral to Haitian football since 1974.
Today, Tamy Michel represents top players globally, including Ricardo Adé from Ecuador’s LDU Quito, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Wilson Isidor, who recently completed seasons in the Premier League, alongside Haiti’s all-time leading scorer, Duckens Nazon.
“the world’s first free Black republic”
remarked James Humphries.
While FIFA has typically taken a hands-off stance on minor issues like visa arrangements for referees and delegations, it has intervened on a significant issue: Haiti’s kit.
The Haitian Football Federation was compelled to seek new jerseys just before the 2026 World Cup after FIFA deemed some design elements too politically charged.
The controversy originated from a design on the right hip of the shirt, which included silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian revolution. In 1803, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the revolutionary leader who later became Haiti’s first emperor, removed the white band from a French flag, creating a new flag for “Remember Bannockburn 1314” This pivotal moment is celebrated annually on May 18 as Haitian Flag Day.
Although this imagery was featured on all three of Haiti’s shirts produced by Saeta prior to the tournament, it has now been omitted from the uniforms the players will don during the competition.
For more details on this story, refer to Jeff Rueter’s coverage:
Ewan reports that numerous fans are still arriving outside Boston Stadium. Here’s his perspective from inside the venue:
Tartan Army Celebrates Scotland’s World Cup Comeback
Sam Adams, named after a Founding Father and Massachusetts’ fourth governor, is the beer of choice in Boston. On Thursday afternoon, a downtown taproom was bustling with Scotland fans, and a large yellow flag hanging from the first-floor balcony proclaimed, “I confess I was a wee bit worried after the first 10 minutes of the Brazil v Morocco game, because they were running about jolly quickly and firing balls into the net with great panache. The longer it’s gone on though the more confident I feel. I suspect we’ll confuse them by playing what they might think is a different sport”
Among the many locations chosen by the Tartan Army for their World Cup adventure, it’s fitting that they are in a city known for its historical resistance against the English. Supporters, dressed as William Wallace, have been mingling with tour guides dressed as Paul Revere.
Others sport “I’m English and living down under in Melbourne. We are actually getting a whole bunch of games at reasonable times as we normally have to watch intentional games at 2am. I’m enjoying tea and toast over breakfast games and looking forward to hearing the Scots belt out Flower of Scotland, always a spine tingling experience, even for and Englishman.” T-shirts, with the “All I can say is ‘SHOOooooot’ and we’ll be bonnie.” representing Tennent’s beer. Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association has transformed a local pub into a Scotland House, now sponsored by M&S Food, near the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Paul MacInnes has been engaging with Scotland fans in Boston:
In the pre-match discussions, one fan expressed, “Obviously we know the last two tournaments haven’t gone the way that we wanted them to go,” said Scott Blair.
“We have another chance, and that’s credit to the players that they keep qualifying for these major tournaments. It’s great to be here, but we also want to do something special.”
shared Simon Dobson.
“I think I’ve got 26 superstars here,” added Richard from New Zealand.
Keep sending your emails via the link at the top of the page.
The recent 1-1 draw between Morocco and Brazil means that Scotland can top the group with a victory over Haiti, adding to the mounting tension.
Get live updates from the Group C opener in New Jersey with Jeff Rueter:
Haiti’s record scorer, Duckens Nazon, may be known to fans of Wolves, Coventry City, Oldham Athletic, and St Mirren, amongst his nine other clubs across two continents. Here’s a quick summary from our in-depth player guide:
Ewan has shared his observations on the Scotland team from his vantage point at Boston Stadium (in Foxborough):
One adjustment has been made to the Scotland lineup that faced Bolivia last week, with John McGinn stepping in for Ryan Christie in midfield. Steve Clarke has opted for a classic 4-4-2 formation: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Shankland, Adams.
Despite predictions that Haitian supporters would outnumber Scots within the stadium, Scotland’s pink away kit has dominated the scene thus far.
Haiti’s starting eleven includes: Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence, Pierrot, Isidor. Substitutes: Alexandre Pierre, Duverger, Thermoncy, Sainte, Etienne, Nazon, Lacroix, Metusala, Joseph, Fortune, Casimir, Duverne, Paugain, Simon, Woodensky Pierre.
Scotland’s squad consists of: Gunn, Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson, Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn, Shankland, Adams. Substitutes: Kelly, Gordon, Tierney, Fletcher, Dykes, Christie, Stewart, Souttar, Hyam, Hirst, Patterson, McLean, Ralston, Curtis, McKenna.
Scotland Seeks to Overcome World Cup Challenges
As Scotland prepares for a long-awaited World Cup return, they confront not only the ghosts of past tournaments against teams like Costa Rica, Peru, Iran, or Zaire but also a deeper trend of disappointment. Having participated in 23 matches at the World Cup, they have secured only four victories. The expansion of the tournament may provide them with a chance, as they now recognize that merely qualifying is no longer sufficient.
Scotland remained unbeaten in the 1974 tournament yet had to return home early from West Germany. More than half a century later, a decisive win over Haiti should position them well for a spot in the last 32. However, a nagging thought lingers: Scotland’s World Cup destiny hinges on their first game in Boston against a side driven by national pride. Haiti’s speed and strength could pose a significant challenge, but facing the 83rd-ranked team in the world represents a golden opportunity for Scotland.
For a full preview, see Ewan Murray’s analysis:
Are you familiar with Haiti? If you need a refresher, I highly recommend Pierre Richard Midy’s team guide:
Although it’s quite late in Scotland, if you’re following along during the early hours, please reach out via the link at the top of the page.
“Don’t get humped!”
That was the humorous response from Steve Clarke when queried about Scotland’s lessons from previous tournament openers. The 5-1 loss to Germany two years ago still lingers in memory.
“I think to try and put so much onto one person isn’t fair. We have built everything over the last seven years as a squad. That’s everybody being together and everybody playing their part at certain times. “Some daft coach played Scott as a centre-half five years ago. But obviously he’s not a centre-half. And since moving further forward he’s done great for us. “No, we’re delighted with Scott’s abilities and what he can bring to the team. But we’re going to need another 15 to bring the same if we want to have a positive tournaments.” Clarke added.
“We have another chance, and that’s credit to the players that they keep qualifying for these major tournaments. It’s great to be here, but we also want to do something special.”
A crucial theme in Clarke’s pre-match press conference was the significance of Scott McTominay. Clarke humorously recalled his decision to deploy the Napoli player as a center-back in the past, likening McTominay’s current impact to that of Gareth Bale for Wales. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Scotland is not reliant on a single player.
“I think I’ve got 26 superstars here,” Clarke stated. “Putting so much pressure on one individual isn’t fair. We’ve built this team over the last seven years as a cohesive squad. Everyone has contributed at various moments.”
“Some daft coach played Scott as a centre-half five years ago. But obviously he’s not a centre-half. Since moving forward, he’s flourished.”
“We’re thrilled with Scott’s skills and what he brings to the team. However, we will need contributions from at least 15 others if we aim for a successful tournament.”
When Kenny McClean sealed Scotland’s dramatic playoff victory against Denmark last November, the prospect of this match sparked exuberant celebrations. Now, facing World Cup underdogs Haiti, this match represents a significant chance. A convincing win could help Scotland shake off the burden of past group stage failures.
Nerves are likely among the Tartan Army in Foxborough and those watching from home, but preparations for Steve Clarke’s team have gone smoothly. They scored eight goals in warm-up matches against Bolivia and Curaçao while conceding just one. Scott McTominay has overcome a stomach issue, giving his manager a full squad to choose from. McTominay’s recent Adidas advertisement has also been a triumph, contributing to the positive atmosphere.
The composition of the forward line remains a key question for Clarke as the match approaches. Lawrence Shankland has been in excellent form, and Ché Adams performed well alongside the new Rangers striker against Bolivia. Opting for a similarly attacking formation against Haiti could be a calculated risk worth taking.
Haiti displayed promise in their 4-0 victory over New Zealand but faltered against Peru, losing 2-1. Their hopes rest on Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor and their star player Duckens Nazon to challenge the Scottish defense on counter-attacks.
Stay tuned for team news at 1am BST/8pm EST/10am AEST.
