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Steve Clarke has guided Scotland to their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998, with their Group C campaign set to begin against Haiti in Massachusetts on Saturday (local time), corresponding to 2am UK time.

The 2026 World Cup brings back memories for long-time Scotland supporters, as Brazil and Morocco, both from their 1998 group in France, appear once again. The only change this time is Haiti replacing Norway to complete the four-team group.

As the tournament’s opening fixtures approach, Scotland’s coaching staff are carefully monitoring player fitness and preparedness ahead of their debut in front of the Tartan Army at Gillette Stadium.

Midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out with an injury before Scotland reached their base camp in North Carolina, but there have been no fresh major fitness concerns in the lead-up to their first match.

Two players—Scott McTominay and Scott McKenna—missed training in the Charlotte suburbs on Thursday. However, neither is considered a serious doubt for the weekend clash against Haiti.

According to STV, “[McTominay] was noticeably absent from the Atrium Health Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina, after suffering from a stomach issue.”

“Dinamo Zagreb defender Scott McKenna was also missing as he dealt with a minor knock. However, both players are expected to be fit when the Scots kick off their Group C campaign in Boston,” the report added.

With a full 26-man squad available, Clarke is aiming for a crucial three points against Haiti, who are participating in their first World Cup since 1974. The expanded 48-team format gives Scotland a real chance to progress beyond the group stage for the first time, but failing to win their opener could seriously dent those ambitions.

Haiti head coach Sebastien Migne has drafted in Colorado Springs Switchbacks defender Garven Metusala, after midfielder Leverton Pierre was ruled out on the eve of the tournament due to injury.

The 28-year-old Portuguese second-division player misses the competition after sustaining a right adductor injury.

Scotland’s next Group C encounter will be against Morocco, again at Gillette Stadium, followed by their final group-stage match against Brazil at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Meanwhile, Haiti will face Brazil at Lincoln Financial Field before concluding their group fixtures against Morocco at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Can Scotland secure the victory they need against Haiti to set their sights on the knockout phase for the first time? Share your thoughts below.