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  1. Back again soon!published at 14:40 BST

    Media caption,

    McLean scores from halfway to seal Scotland's World Cup place

    Have we whetted your appetite?

    Well, we are leaving you now, but you won't have long to wait for today's World Cup action.

    Stick with the BBC Sport website and we will have you covered, right through from this evening's opening game to Sunday morning - with live text commentary and 5 Live coverage of all four games, as well as TV coverage of Brazil v Morocco and Haiti v Scotland.

    Full details are below.

    But, in the meantime, just keep watching Kenny McLean's goal, above, on loop...

    Saturday 13 June

    • Qatar v Switzerland (Group B) – 20:00 BST – ITV1
    • Brazil v Morocco (Group C) – 23:00 – BBC One, iPlayer, BBC Sport website

    Sunday 14 June

    • Haiti v Scotland (Group C) – 02:00 – BBC One, iPlayer, BBC Sport website
    • Australia v Turkey (Group D) – 05:00 – ITV1
  2. Scotland's World Cup openers through the yearspublished at 14:36 BST

    It's been 28 years since Scotland were last at a World Cup, so what can fans expect from an opening game?

    Erm...here's a look back at some of Scotland's opening games from past World Cups as the team prepares to take on Haiti in Boston.

  3. A country expects...published at 14:33 BST

    Jonathan Geddes
    BBC Scotland

    Fans will be gathering in a range of venues to watch the gameImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Fans will be gathering in a range of venues to watch the game

    Those not going on a transatlantic trip are instead booking tickets for pubs and other venues in Scotland, which are expected to be rammed to capacity.

    Places more used to holding gigs, like SWG3 in Glasgow and the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen, are screening watch parties of matches.

    The country's biggest venue, the OVO Hydro, is expecting thousands of supporters and says it will have the biggest screen in the country.

    "We have waited almost 30 years for Scotland to return to the biggest stage in world football, and we wanted to put the team on our stage for fans who haven't been able to make the trip across the Atlantic," says chief commercial officer Debbie McWilliams.

    For pubs the World Cup offers a potential bonanza, after late licensing hours were allowed by nearly all local authorities.

  4. Teenager's pride as artwork chosen for Scotland World Cup team buspublished at 14:32 BST

    Graeme Ogston
    Tayside and Central Reporter

    Sean got a chance to see his winning design on the bus in BostonImage source, SUPPLIED
    Image caption,

    Sean got a chance to see his winning design on the bus in Boston

    A teenage football fan from Dundee has seen his artwork adorn Scotland's World Cup team bus after winning an international competition.

    Sean McIntosh's design features on the national side's coach as the men's team return to the tournament for the first time in 28 years.

    The 13-year-old and his father Robbie have been flown to the US to see Scotland take on Haiti in their opening match in Boston.

    The Baldragon Academy pupil's design is one of 48 chosen for each qualifying nation's official team bus.

  5. 'How can you not fall in love with the Scots?'published at 14:29 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Scotland fans playing bagpipes in BostonImage source, Reuters

    Scotland fans may have been given a warm welcome stateside, but spare a thought for Boston resident Mike Morrison, who was woken at 6.30am to the sound of bagpipes on his street.

    "It's been quite an experience having these Scottish soccer fans here in Wakefield Massachusetts," said Mike in a voice note to 5 Live Breakfast.

    "To see such majestic creatures in the wild, outside of their native habitat - it was breathtaking.

    "But, in all seriousness, it's been fantastic. I came out in the morning yesterday to water the grass and low and behold I look across the street and we have some young lads blasting the bagpipes for just a few minutes and getting really excited for the World Cup.

    "I gave them a thumbs up and cheered for them and it was a really nice moment.

    "I think the really cool part of this is that we get a little bit of the world on our own backyard and a little bit of a break from the stuff we see online every day about the horrors of the world.

    "It's about the world coming together for sport. The fact it is in our backyard is a real treat and reminder that we can still come together for awesome things."

    He said he was rooting for USA, but added: "How can you not fall in love with the Scots?"

  6. Tartan Army invades Bostonpublished at 14:27 BST

    Scotland fans at the finish line in Boston trying to see Scotland fan Craig Ferguson who walked across the US to raise funds for a mental health charity.Image source, PA
    Image caption,

    Scotland fans at the finish line in Boston trying to see Scotland fan Craig Ferguson who walked across the US to raise funds for a mental health charity.

    Should the Scotland players need a lift, they will surely get one from the fans inside and outside the stadium, who have enjoyed a warm welcome in host city Boston.

    Elliot Husband, a referee with the SPFL and proud member of the Tartan Army, told Radio Scotland he feels decidedly nervous.

    "I think we're all just getting quite excited to get started now.

    "My goodness the Scots really do travel, there are so many of us everywhere."

  7. Scotland return to centre stage in must-win World Cup openerpublished at 14:25 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer in Boston

    Steve Clarke is ready to make the most important speech of his managerial life, a speech that a succession of Scotland managers over the last 28 largely painful years would have given anything to make.

    What for so long had seemed like a pipe dream - as attainable as a lottery win - is now a reality staring Scotland in the face. After missing out on six World Cups in a row, and maybe surrendering to fatalism along the way, game day is upon us here in the United States.

    We can play these games forever - the old prime ministers and presidents when Scotland were last at a World Cup, the things that are commonplace now but were not invented then, the music that was in vogue, the simplicity of the way the media was back then compared to the revolution that has happened since.

    All of that stuff reflects the passage of time - more than 10,000 days - and the way things have changed. It's been a relative eternity. Sometimes, to the Tartan Army, it must have felt that days like these would never come again.

  8. Scotland boss Clarke by those who know him bestpublished at 14:24 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Steve Clarke wearing a navy blue coat with a Scotland badge on the chestImage source, Getty Images

    Steve Clarke has transformed Scotland since taking the reins in 2019 - qualifying for two European Championships and a World Cup.

    Clarke's rise to a legendary perch in Scottish football has been steady and understated, which is probably fine by him.

    Take a look at what those who know Clarke best have had to say about him in a lovely piece brought together by our colleagues at BBC Sport Scotland.

  9. 'I don't know how it is going to go'published at 14:23 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Scot Neil McGuinness, technical director for MLS side LAFC, spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about how he feels before Scotland's opening game against Haiti:

    "It's hard to put into words. I remember watching 1998 [World Cup in France] when we started against Brazil. We didn't have many ambitions then and I feel like now we actually have a squad that can compete, so I am really looking forward to it.

    "But I have just learned over the years with Scotland that you just can't say yes or no, so I don't know how it is going to go.

    "I am hopeful we can at least get a win against Haiti, then in the other two [against Morocco then Brazil] let's just see what happens."

    Scotland playing against Brazil at the 1998 World CupImage source, Getty Images
  10. 'Why are so many people crying?'published at 14:18 BST

    Jonathan Geddes
    BBC Scotland

    Andy Munro and his sons are football daftImage source, MUNRO FAMILY

    Seconds after Kenny McLean's shot from the halfway line hit the back of the Danish net last November, Andy Munro's children asked him a question.

    "Why are so many people crying?"

    The Ayrshire dad-of-three may have had a few tears to wipe away himself, and he wasn't the only one.

    His three children - Harry, 14, Keir, 12 and Adam, 10 are football fans who worship John McGinn, and none have seen the men's team take part in a World Cup.

    "The timing of the Haiti game is causing some challenges, " he laughs.

    "I think we will go to bed about eight, and then wake up around half one to watch the game - and then the boys are all playing football on Sunday morning too.

    "It's all they're talking about."

  11. 'Clarke doesn't need to talk to the soul of these players'published at 14:13 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer in Boston

    We know that Steve Clarke keeps his emotions in check most of the time, but we also know that he can be moving when he wants to be, as he was when addressing his players before the momentous Denmark game at Hampden in November, the night that electrified a nation.

    All of the work is done now, all of the analysis of Haiti, all of the match strategy and the mechanisms to cope with the heat and humidity are firmly in place.

    Clarke probably doesn't need to talk to the soul of these players anymore, because none of them need any reminding of what they're playing for here.

    That's not to say that Clarke won't go there. They are the lucky ones - the players chosen to start and the cavalry that will come off the bench.

    The history of Scottish football is loaded with really good and truly great players who have never had the privilege of playing at a World Cup.

    To go back in time - John Greig, Tommy Gemmell, Billy McNeill, Ron Yeats. None of them got this far. Bobby Murdoch, Jim Baxter, Bertie Auld, Stevie Chalmers the same. Jimmy Johnstone made a World Cup squad but never played.

    That list is in no way exhaustive. It's just a snapshot of the legends who didn't get to do what Clarke's men are about to do.

  12. 'I am super excited' - Clare Groganpublished at 14:12 BST

    Clare Grogan arriving ahead of a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale, BostonImage source, PA

    A host of celebrity Scotland fans gathered in Scotland House in Boston last night, including Martin Compston, Gerald Butler and Clare Grogan.

    The pop star and actor shared how she felt with 24 hours to go until the big match: “I am super excited. I am like 15,000 miles and rising I’m so excited,”

    Clare is going to tonight’s game and on Scotland’s chances she said: “I think why not? I’ve always been a big dreamer so let’s just do it.

    “I think when they put their minds to it their unstoppable.”

  13. Callum Beattie will serenade the Tartan Army in Boston and be cheering on Scotlandpublished at 14:09 BST

    John McGinn pulls Callum Beattie into the team's World Cup qualification celebrations last NovemberImage source, CALLUM BEATTIE

    Singer-songwriter Callum Beattie has got some huge gigs coming up - he's going to be headlining the Belladrum Tart and Heart Festival in July and playing twice at Edinburgh Castle later this year.

    But before that he's going to be playing for the Tartan Army in Boston and he tells Radio Scotland he really hopes Steve Clarke's team put a good performance in.

    "It's the one time in Scotland where everybody comes together, everybody wants Scotland to do well.

    Callum has a message for the Scotland team: "The whole country is cheering you on and there's going to be little boys sitting and watching the TV begging you to go out there and just show some fight. So do you want to fight? Crack on!"

  14. What's the score with watching Scotland in the World Cup?published at 14:06 BST

    Steven McKenzie
    and Andrew Picken, BBC Scotland

    Scotland fanImage source, Getty Images

    Scotland's first game in the World Cup finals for almost 30 years takes place in the early hours of Sunday.

    The match against Haiti kicks off in Boston at 02:00 BST, meaning it will probably be almost four in the morning by the time fans know whether Scotland's return to the tournament has been as triumphal as they hope.

    Pubs, clubs and fan zones have been given special licences to open and serve alcohol during the night.

    Click here to find out how you can watch Scotland's World Cup matches.

  15. 'Right at the top' - Robertson on World Cup honourpublished at 14:01 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Andy RobertsonImage source, Getty Images

    Scotland captain Andy Robertson also spoke to the media on Friday.

    The former Liverpool defender was asked to sum up how big a moment it was in his career to be leading out his country in a World Cup:

    "Right at the top. I've been very fortunate to play in big games, win trophies, play for the biggest club in the world, but for me playing for your country is that one step above.

    "To do it at a World Cup is a dream come true.

    "I'm so proud and happy this group are the ones who have done it."

  16. Boston is turning tartan with around 30,000 Scots on the marchpublished at 13:59 BST

    Megan Bonar
    BBC Scotland News in Boston

    Two guys in Tartan

    The Tartan Army is certainly making its presence felt in Boston.

    Flags hung on buildings marking 250 years since US independence have been outnumbered by Saltires.

    Fans wearing Boston Red Sox memorabilia have been trumped by Scotland strips, and walking down the street it feels as though every second person you see is wearing a kilt.

    "It's a Scotland invasion, absolutely everyone is here," said David Martin, 28, from Glasgow.

    He added: "I quit my job to be here; I couldn't miss it."

    Even the local statues are now wearing traffic cones - just like the Duke of Wellington in Glasgow.

    Statue in Boston with a police cone on its head
  17. 'The lads know one victory could seal legendary status'published at 13:57 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Kevin Gallagher playing for Scotland at the 1998 World CupImage source, Getty Images

    Kevin Gallagher, who was part of that last Scotland squad to play at a World Cup in 1998, told BBC Radio 5 Live that the nerves are starting to take hold as kick-off draws closer:

    "It's been a long old dream waiting for it. I could never have believed it and now I can. We are almost there now so the nerves are really starting. The World Cup has started, but the nerves are starting now."

    On the fact they have to win their opening game to stand a reasonable chance of qualifying for the knockout stages for a first time: "I think the lads know that as well. It helps but it hinders. They know what they have got to do.

    "The lads understand how the World Cup is going to go, how you can get through as a third-placed team, how if you can get one victory it could seal legendary status for the guys.

    "That in itself brings mental pressure so you are hoping the guys can relax.

    "They look like they are enjoying the camp, it looks like they are enjoying the football, against Bolivia they showed that, so hopefully they can take it all in and get us that result."

  18. What is it like to play for Scotland at a World Cup?published at 13:56 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Scotland starting XI pose for a photo at the 1998 World CupImage source, Getty Images

    It's 28-years since Scotland last kicked a ball at a men's World Cup.

    On that occasion, back in 1998, Scotland drew with Norway but lost to Brazil and Morocco as they limped out at the group stage.

    In a strange twist of fate, Scotland will again face Brazil and Morocco in the group stage this year, with Haiti the new face on their agenda.

    But what is it like to represent Scotland at a World Cup?

    BBC Sport Scotland called on the knowledge of 1998 World Cup squad members Darren Jackson and Paul Lambert, as well as the last player to captain Scotland at the women's finals in 2019, Rachel Corsie, to enlighten and excite us.

    Read what that trio had to say here.

  19. Scotland 'gained the trust of the nation' - Robertsonpublished at 13:54 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Media caption,

    McLean scores from halfway to seal Scotland's World Cup place

    Remember how Scotland booked their place at the World Cup?

    Kenny McLean's stunning late final goal in a 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden will go down in Scotland folklore.

    Captain Andy Robertson believes that moment earned his side the "trust of the nation".

    "There will be nerves - there always is [among the fans]," said Robertson, when asked about the mood before the World Cup opener against Haiti.

    "I do believe we've gained the trust of the nation, and I think we deserve that trust.

    "If you look at that Denmark game, you don't get much more high pressure.

    "But any team we are playing in this group deserves our respect as well."

  20. How will Scotland line up against Haiti?published at 13:52 BST

    Haiti v Scotland (Sun, 02:00 BST)

    Umir Irfan
    Football tactics correspondent

    Head coach Steve Clarke of Scotland looks on during a training session at Florida Blue Training Center on June 5, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Image source, Getty Images

    Scotland under Steve Clarke are a team that are strong without the ball, especially when attacking big space. Against Haiti however they will probably have to take a more front-footed approach given the quality gap between both sides.

    Against Bolivia they had 46% of the possession. Against Haiti, I suspect they will have a fair bit more.

    Looking at their performance against Belarus (ranked 100) is a better indicator of the approach they will likely take.

    Ben Gannon-Doak started on the wing in that game and provides more individual quality against stubborn defences so may get minutes. John McGinn tends to move in-field even if he starts from a wider position, and played on the left against Belarus. I think he may do the same again with Andy Robertson given license to push on.

    Set-plays and the physicality will be key to help them break the deadlock if the game is tight too but that is something they do irrespective of the possession they have in a game.