Haiti and Scotland debut in World Cup 2026 Group C

Haiti and Scotland kick off their 2026 World Cup campaigns in a crucial Group C encounter on June 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This match holds particular significance as both nations return to the global stage after lengthy absences.

Haiti is participating in its second-ever World Cup, making its first appearance in 52 years since its debut in 1974, where it was eliminated in the group stage. The Caribbean nation enters the tournament as the winner of its Concacaf qualifying group, with coach Sébastien Migné emphasizing the team's ambition to compete for a historic result and secure its first-ever World Cup victory.

Scotland, meanwhile, makes its return to the World Cup finals for the first time since France 1998. Managed by Steve Clarke, the Scottish team aims to overcome a history of first-round eliminations, having never advanced past the group stage in previous World Cup appearances. Clarke has stressed the importance of a strong start to avoid repeating past trends.

Group C also features powerhouses Brazil and Morocco, presenting a challenging path for both Haiti and Scotland. In the expanded 2026 format, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage. This debut match is therefore seen as vital for both Haiti and Scotland's aspirations to progress in the tournament. Haiti will face Brazil and Morocco after this opener, while Scotland's subsequent matches are against Morocco and Brazil.