Scotland's McTominay fit for World Cup opener against Haiti after illness
Scotland prepares for their first World Cup match in 28 years, facing Haiti in Boston. Midfielder Scott McTominay recovered from a stomach bug and is declared fit by coach Steve Clarke, though defender Scott McKenna will miss the opener due to a calf injury. Clarke emphasizes team unity and learning from past tournament disappointments. Scotland also faces Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
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Haiti vs Scotland: World Cup 2026 Group Stage Match Preview
This article previews the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Haiti and Scotland, scheduled for June 14, 2026, at Foxborough. Scotland, coming off a dramatic playoff win against Denmark, sees this match as an opportunity to secure a convincing victory and advance past the group stage. Scotland's preparations have been strong, with eight goals scored in warm-up games against Bolivia and Curaçao, and key player Scott McTominay recovered from illness. The forward line selection is a key question, with Lawrence Shankland and Ché Adams in form. Haiti, considered World Cup minnows, impressed with a 4-0 win over New Zealand but lost 2-1 to Peru. Their chances rely on Sunderland's Wilson Isidor and talisman Duckens Nazon to threaten on the counter-attack. Team news is expected at 1am BST.
Football | The GuardianHaiti vs Scotland World Cup 2026: TV channel, live stream, and team news
Scotland begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against Haiti in an opening group stage match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14 (9pm local time Saturday, June 13). UK viewers can watch live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 1:10am, or stream via BBC iPlayer. American viewers can watch on Fox Sports or stream via the Fox Sports app and TUDN. Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live. Scotland manager Steve Clarke has a mostly settled squad, with Scott McTominay fit to start but Billy Gilmour ruled out due to a knee injury. Haiti enters as underdogs, relying on forward Frantzdy Pierrot and a strong defensive unit. This is the first competitive meeting between the two nations.
Mirror - FootballScott McTominay's Scotland absence explained after stomach issue at Boston hotel
Scott McTominay caused concern among Scotland fans when he was absent from World Cup training in Boston on Thursday due to a stomach issue. The Napoli midfielder missed team preparations but returned to training on Friday, with manager Steve Clarke confirming he is 'perfect and ready to go'. McTominay traveled separately from the squad as a precaution to avoid spreading illness, monitored by a team doctor. Clarke downplayed the panic, emphasizing the squad's collective strength. Defender Scott McKenna is the only confirmed absentee for Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti, sidelined with a calf injury. Scotland faces Haiti at Boston Stadium in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Mirror - FootballScotland return to World Cup stage after 28 years in must-win opener against Haiti
BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English reports from Boston as Scotland prepares for their first World Cup match in 28 years, facing Haiti. Head coach Steve Clarke is set to deliver the most important speech of his career, addressing a squad that includes players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn. The article reflects on the long drought since Scotland's last World Cup appearance, noting legendary players like Jimmy Johnstone and Darren Fletcher who never got to play on this stage. Clarke has learned from disappointing Euro campaigns and emphasizes enjoying the tournament. Scotland's qualification was dramatic, including a narrow escape when Belarus drew with Greece, allowing Scotland to beat Denmark and secure their spot. The team faces pressure to perform after seven previous Scottish World Cup teams failed to advance past the group stage.
BBC SportHow to watch Haiti vs Scotland at World Cup - TV channel, kick-off time, live stream
Scotland will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Haiti in Group C at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match kicks off at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14 (9pm ET Saturday, June 13). UK viewers can watch live on BBC One and stream via BBC iPlayer, while US viewers can tune in on FOX Sports or TUDN for Spanish commentary. Scotland manager Steve Clarke has Scott McKenna back from injury, with midfield options including Scott McTominay and John McGinn. Haiti has no injury concerns and will rely on key players Wilson Isidor, Ricner Bellegarde, and goalkeeper Johny Placide. This is the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations.
Mirror - FootballScotland Head Coach Steve Clarke Pre-Match Press Conference Ahead of World Cup Opener Against Haiti
Scotland manager Steve Clarke addressed the media ahead of the team's World Cup opener against Haiti, emphasizing respect for the opponent and the importance of collective effort over individual superstars. Clarke confirmed defender Scott McKenna will miss the match due to a calf injury but is expected to return soon. He reflected on disappointing performances in previous major tournaments (Euro 2020 and Euro 2024), noting lessons learned from those experiences. Clarke stressed the team's commitment to giving 100% effort and pride in representing Scotland, while acknowledging the excitement back home. He also revealed his family is present for the historic occasion—Scotland's first World Cup in 28 years—and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team.
虎扑 - 足球Steve Clarke wants Scotland to 'do something special' on World Cup return after 28 years
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has expressed his desire for the team to 'do something special' as they prepare for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Scotland will face Haiti in their opening Group C match on Sunday, followed by games against Brazil and Morocco. Clarke, the first Scotland coach to lead the nation to three major tournaments, confirmed that midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from an upset stomach and is available, but defender Scott McKenna will miss the opener. Reflecting on disappointing performances at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, Clarke emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes, particularly the 5-1 loss to Germany. He acknowledged Haiti as a proud nation with qualities that could cause problems but expressed confidence that if Scotland brings their best game, they can win.
SkySports | NewsScotland's McTominay fit for World Cup opener against Haiti after illness
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from an upset stomach and trained with the squad on Friday, confirming his availability for the World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday. Head coach Steve Clarke stated McTominay is 'perfect and ready to go' but downplayed reliance on any single player, emphasizing the squad's collective strength. Centre-back Scott McKenna will miss the match due to a calf injury but is expected to return to training on Monday. Scotland, appearing in their first World Cup in 28 years, will face Haiti at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, with further group stage matches against Morocco and Brazil.
BBC SportScotland's McTominay declared fit for World Cup opener against Haiti after illness
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from an upset stomach and is 'ready to go' for the team's World Cup opener against Haiti, according to head coach Steve Clarke. McTominay trained on Friday after missing Thursday's session and traveled separately to Boston as a precaution. Clarke emphasized the squad's collective strength, stating he has '26 superstars' and that no single player is indispensable. Meanwhile, defender Scott McKenna will miss the Haiti match due to a calf injury but is expected to return to training on Monday. Scotland, appearing in their first World Cup in 28 years, face Haiti on Sunday at Boston Stadium, with further group matches against Morocco and Brazil.
BBC SportMcTominay travels separately to Boston after bug
Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay traveled separately to Boston with a doctor as a precaution after missing Scotland's training session due to an upset stomach. The team is preparing for their first World Cup match in 28 years, facing Haiti on Saturday at Boston Stadium. McTominay, who scored in Scotland's recent 4-0 win over Bolivia, is considered a key player. Teammate Kenny McLean expressed confidence that McTominay will be available for the opener. Scotland will also face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage. Manager Steve Clarke is expected to provide an update on McTominay's condition during a Friday media briefing.
BBC SportMcTominay expected to be fit for Scotland's World Cup opener despite stomach bug
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay missed the final training session before the team's World Cup opener against Haiti due to a stomach complaint, but the squad is confident he will be fit to play. McTominay, considered Scotland's most influential player, sat out as a precaution in North Carolina before the team departs for Boston, where they will play their first World Cup match in 28 years. Teammate Kenny McLean expressed hope the illness does not spread and praised McTominay's importance. Defender Scott McKenna has also had his training managed due to a knock, with Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley favored to start in central defense. Scotland recently defeated Bolivia 4-0 in a warm-up match.
Football | The Guardian