For the first time in nearly three decades, Scotland will kick off a World Cup match. 28 years on from Brazil in the Stade de France, the team returns to the world stage after a qualifying campaign for the ages. But simply being happy to be here won't cut it, not after two dismal showings in the last two European Championships.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, reaching the knockout rounds has never been easier. Given that Steve Clarke's side can all but guarantee progression with a win over Haiti, there really is no excuse for not making history. However, this is Scotland, a team that has found new ways to fail in each tournament they've entered. Anyone expecting Haiti to be a walkover will likely be in for a rude awakening.
All the pressure is on the Scots, and that's not something they have handled well historically. But this squad seems to have something about them, especially after that night against Denmark, and hopefully lessons have been learned from previous tournaments. Here is how the Record Sport team sees this one going.
Keith Jackson
Don't listen to the doom and gloom merchants like Scott McDermott who will scare you about Haiti. Scotland has more quality in all areas of the pitch and will get their campaign off to a flyer. Steve Clarke's 4-4-2 formation will get the job done with Lawrence Shankland on the scoresheet. Haiti 1 Scotland 3
Scott McDermott
If Scotland turn up in Boston and perform at their best, they should beat the dangerous Haitians by a couple of goals. The front two of Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland will be too much for them to handle, ably assisted by players like Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay, if fit. Haiti is a threat going forward, so don't be surprised if they score. But Steve Clarke's side can get their World Cup off to a flyer with three crucial points. Haiti 1 Scotland 3
Gavin Berry
Haiti are 2500/1 rank outsiders to win the World Cup, ranked 83rd in the world, have never picked up a single World Cup point, and had a gentle route to qualifying. What could possibly go wrong for Scotland? We have been here before, but we won't go there again. Steve Clarke's men to win with a bit to spare and get us off to a flyer in Boston, putting them in a great position to make history by reaching the knockout stage. Shankland, McGinn, and McTominay to grab the goals. Haiti 1 Scotland 3
Scott Burns
I expect Steve Clarke's men to secure the win they and the nation crave. Haiti can cause problems, but Clarke looks to have unlocked Scotland's scoring potential, something that was sadly lacking at Euro 2024. I can see Lawrence Shankland getting among the goals in this game. Haiti 1 Scotland 3
Andy Newport
This is the game we have to win, and I really think we will. We are hitting form at the perfect time, and with Lawrence Shankland providing the poacher's instincts this side has been crying out for, I can see us getting a comfortable win to get our World Cup ball rolling. Haiti 1 Scotland 3
Michael Gannon
Haiti will have a go, and we might have to survive the odd scare or two. But this Scotland side has the experience to deal with any setbacks and should be strong enough to win and get the campaign off to a flier. Haiti 0 Scotland 2
Ross Pilcher
It's difficult not to revert to the default Scotland setting of expecting disaster on the big stage, especially when we are expected to win. Haiti are unlikely to be cannon fodder who will simply roll over and have their tummy tickled; that is rarely the way in international football these days. But this is a Scotland team and manager with a point to prove after the last two Euros and, crucially, has goals in it. Haiti 0 Scotland 2
Ryan McDonald
After 28 years, or 10,219 days, Scotland finally end their agonising World Cup wait. It is a must-win against Haiti if they are to make history by reaching the knockouts. We are bang in form and up against relative minnows. Steve Clarke's men should get the job done, but I don't think it will be the goal fest some are expecting. Haiti 0 Scotland 1
