Scotland start their first World Cup in 28 years with a must-win match. No pressure, lads.

Steve Clarke’s side need to get three points on the board in their Group C opener against Haiti to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time – with Morocco and Brazil to come in their final two fixtures.

The Scots head into the game in fine fettle, having scored eight goals in warm-up wins against Bolivia and Curacao, and with a clean bill of health but this is the real thing and the pressure is on.

Haiti are history-makers themselves, having reached the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. They will want to make their mark on football’s biggest stage and will recognise the Scotland game is their best chance to do so.

So will it be the Tartan Army celebrating in the early hours of Sunday morning? Or can the Grenadiers spring a surprise?

Radio Times brings you our predictions for Haiti v Scotland at World Cup 2026.

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Haiti v Scotland predictions

Given how long both nations have been waiting to return to the World Cup, it could well be a cagey start to proceedings – with neither wanting to make the first mistake.

Haiti can hurt Scotland and might give them a scare but expect the likes of Scott McTominay and John McGinn to stand up when they’re needed most.

Radio Times says… Haiti 1-2 Scotland

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Haiti v Scotlandodds

In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365has provided the following betting odds for this event:

bet365 odds: Haiti(17/4) Draw (10/3) Scotland (4/7)*

Bet Boost odds: Scott McTominay 2+ shots on target, John McGinn 2+ shots on target, FT result: Scotland – 12/1 14/1

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Authors

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.