Scotland are determined to advance beyond the group stage of a major international competition for the first time in their history.

Could this be the year they finally break that long-standing barrier and reach the knockout rounds?

That’s the question on every Scotland supporter’s mind as the team prepares for their Group C opener — their first World Cup fixture in 28 years.

Standing in their path are Haiti, returning to the tournament for the first time since their group stage exit in 1974. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm local time (2am UK time).

Scotland’s memorable night against Denmark secured automatic qualification for Steve Clarke’s team, who lost just once in what initially appeared to be a challenging qualifying group.

Their build-up to this World Cup featured a 4-1 comeback win over Curacao, a side that finished above Haiti during the initial CONCACAF group phase. However, despite the convincing scoreline, there were minor concerns — Scotland conceded early before turning the game around after Jurgen Locadia was sent off seven minutes before half-time.

A subsequent 4-0 victory against Bolivia — with all goals coming in the first half — helped ease those worries, and now the focus is on whether Scotland can deliver their best performance when it truly matters.

Napoli’s Scott McTominay is expected to play a crucial role in central midfield, supported by Aston Villa’s John McGinn, Tottenham’s new signing Andy Robertson, and in-form Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.

Haiti, however, should not be underestimated. Owing to political turmoil, they played their entire qualifying campaign away from home yet still navigated two group stages to secure a World Cup berth.

Known for their high pressing and counter-attacking intensity, Haiti can pose a real attacking threat when breaking forward at speed, though defensive frailties have occasionally been exposed.

With Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde recently joining the squad and Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor spearheading the attack, Haiti possess genuine Premier League experience within their ranks.

Drawn into one of the tournament’s toughest groups, both teams will view this fixture as pivotal to their chances of progressing. However, our prediction is that Scotland will have enough quality to claim victory.

Predicted score: Haiti 0-2 Scotland