Scotland bid to exorcise World Cup ghosts by breaking group stage barrier

Scotland begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Haiti in Foxborough, Boston, in what Steve Clarke's side view as a must-win opener. The Scots have won only four of their 23 World Cup matches historically, and despite going unbeaten at the 1974 tournament, they have never progressed beyond the group stage. A victory over 83rd-ranked Haiti is considered essential to finally breaking that long-standing pattern of early eliminations.