Scotland's World Cup return kicks off against Haiti in Boston

The wait is over

Scotland face Haiti at the Boston Stadium in their first World Cup match in 28 years (1). The squad is already in North Carolina, and the city of Boston is being described as 'mini-Scotland' ahead of kick-off (1).

Steve Clarke's side go into the tournament with genuine momentum after two friendly wins where they scored eight goals. Lawrence Shankland, who netted 16 times in 29 Premiership appearances for Hearts, has spoken about a 'club feel' within the camp, and the settled tactical setup leans on his finishing to deliver. The group also opens a potential knockout path that could include France or England, but first, Haiti.

Midfield question mark

Scotland might throw a tactical curveball at Haiti, with speculation swirling around a midfield shakeup (5). Clarke has kept his cards close, but a tweak in the middle of the park could change how Scotland approach their opener. With the Haiti scouting report flagging a side that can be vulnerable but carries their own threats, including players based in Europe, getting the midfield balance right looks crucial (4).

McGinn's old school buzzing

Meanwhile, back in Clydebank, children at John McGinn's old school have been swept up in World Cup fever and can't wait to see their hero take the field (2). It's a reminder of what this tournament means beyond the pitch. That fever is everywhere, pipers, all-night parties, brash new tartans, and packed fan zones have gripped Scotland for the first time since 1998 (6).

Elsewhere at the tournament

The USA lit up Los Angeles with a commanding 4–1 win over Paraguay in one of the early standout results (7).

Fan reactions

Scotland fans are in full voice ahead of the opener. The Tartan Army assembled at the Boston Common to greet Craig Ferguson, who completed a walk from Los Angeles to Boston raising over £1m for Scottish Action for Mental Health. The symbolism of Scotland's return has hit hard, a fan-made World Cup preview called it chasing 'a first knockout round,' while another detailed Haiti's remarkable story of exile and resilience. And in training, Tyler Fletcher alongside Scott McTominay has United supporters keeping a close eye on the Scotland camp. See the full preview