Having been directly involved in four of Scotland's eight goals across victories over Curacao and Bolivia—scoring three goals and providing one assist—new Rangers signing Lawrence Shankland is expected to earn a starting role in attack, likely partnering Che Adams.
In goal, Clarke must decide between Angus Gunn and 43-year-old Craig Gordon, the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup. However, Gunn appears the more likely choice to start between the posts.
With difficult fixtures against Brazil and Morocco still to come, neither Haiti nor Scotland can afford to drop points in this opening match if they hope to progress from Group C.
While Haiti's true level remains difficult to assess due to the quality of opposition they have faced in recent years, Scotland—ranked nearly 40 places higher in the FIFA rankings—should possess enough quality and experience to claim all three points and secure their first World Cup victory since 1990.
Match Prediction
Haiti's return to the World Cup is a remarkable achievement, but they face a Scotland side carrying momentum, greater tournament experience, and a squad filled with players competing at the highest level of European football.
The Caribbean nation should make life difficult for the Scots, particularly through the attacking threat of Duckens Nazon, but Scotland's superior quality in midfield and attack could ultimately prove decisive.
Klik Saja Prediction: Haiti 1-2 Scotland
Predicted Lineups
Haiti (4-4-2)
Placide; Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience; Deedson, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Nazon.
Scotland (4-4-2)
Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Adams, Shankland.