Two nations returning to football's biggest stage after lengthy absences meet at Boston Stadium on Sunday when Scotland face Haiti in a pivotal opening Group C encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Brazil and Morocco widely expected to dominate Group C, both teams understand the significance of this fixture.

Victory could provide a platform for an unlikely push towards the knockout rounds, while defeat would leave qualification hopes in jeopardy.

For Haiti, this is a moment more than half a century in the making. The Caribbean nation is appearing at its first World Cup since 1974. Haiti suffered three defeats against Italy, Poland and Argentina and exited the tournament at the group stage.

Their qualification journey was remarkable both on and off the pitch. Forced to play all their home fixtures in Curaçao due to ongoing security concerns in Haiti, Sébastien Migné's side overcame significant obstacles to secure a place at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Results in 2026 have been mixed. Haiti lost narrowly to Tunisia, drew with Iceland, produced an eye-catching 4-0 victory over New Zealand and then suffered a 2-1 defeat against Peru in their final warm-up fixture.

Scotland, meanwhile, arrive in North America carrying the hopes of a generation. This is their first World Cup appearance since France 1998, ending a 28-year wait to return to the global stage.

Steve Clarke's side qualified dramatically, clinching top spot in their UEFA qualifying group thanks to a memorable 4-2 victory over Denmark. Since then, Scotland have experienced contrasting fortunes in friendlies.

Consecutive defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast raised concerns, but emphatic wins over Curaçao (4-1) and Bolivia (4-0) have restored confidence ahead of their tournament opener.

Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage at either a World Cup or European Championship, falling short in all 12 previous attempts. Sunday's fixture represents a major opportunity to change that narrative.

Haiti report no injury concerns and are expected to retain the 4-4-2 system used in recent friendlies.

Veteran goalkeeper and captain Johny Placide is set to lead the side in what will be his 82nd international appearance. In attack, Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor is expected to partner record goalscorer Duckens Nazon, who has scored 44 goals for his country.

Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will provide energy and experience in the middle of the park, while defenders Ricardo Ade and Hannes Delcroix are expected to anchor the back line.

Fitness concerns have complicated Scotland's preparations.

Billy Gilmour has already been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, while Scott McTominay and Scott McKenna both missed training during the week due to illness. Scotland remain hopeful that McTominay, one of their most influential players, will be available.

Should changes be required, Clarke can call upon Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher in midfield.

Lawrence Shankland appears poised to start after contributing three goals and one assist across Scotland's victories over Curaçao and Bolivia. He could partner Che Adams, with captain Andrew Robertson and John McGinn providing experience.

Scott McTominay vs Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

If fit, McTominay will be Scotland's driving force in midfield. Bellegarde's task will be to disrupt his forward runs and prevent Scotland from controlling central areas.

Duckens Nazon vs Grant Hanley

Haiti's record scorer remains their primary attacking threat. Hanley will need to manage Nazon's movement and physical presence if Scotland are to maintain defensive control.

Lawrence Shankland vs Ricardo Ade

Shankland arrives in excellent form and full of confidence. Ade's ability to contain the Rangers striker could prove decisive in determining whether Haiti remain competitive throughout the contest.

With Brazil and Morocco waiting later in the group, both sides know the importance of making a positive start. Scotland may enter as favourites, but Haiti's resilience and remarkable journey to the tournament ensure that the match is far from a straightforward contest.

Scotland remain 40 places above Haiti in the FIFA World Rankings; therefore, it is expected that Steve Clarke should lead his team to an easy win. Anything else? Expect chaos to follow.