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 wasn't the only one wiping away tears. Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark booked the men's national team's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, unleashing waves of emotion across the country. Eight months later, as Scotland prepare to face Haiti in the early hours of Sunday 14 June 2026, feverish anticipation has taken hold. From parties of thousands in large arenas to school kids setting alarms for the 02:00 BST kick-off, excitement, nerves and dreams linger on every street.
Scotland are playing in the men's World Cup for the first time since 1998. The team qualified by finishing top of their group, capped by that dramatic win over Denmark. Now they are in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and another yet-to-be-determined team (the full draw has not been detailed in the sources). Their opening match is against Haiti at 02:00 BST on Sunday 14 June, kicking off in Boston, USA. The match will be broadcast live on ITV, with coverage starting at 01:30 BST.
“Scotland's men's team return to the World Cup after 28 years. Here's what you need to know.”
The 28-year gap means a generation of Scottish fans have never seen their men's team at a World Cup. Lucy McEwan, a 25-year-old teacher in Glasgow, says: "People don't really get behind the World Cup unless your country's involved in it, and for the first time in a lot of people's lives we are involved in it." She adds that her school even got the FIFA Panini sticker book this year, and kids are trading stickers with teachers. Andy Munro's three sons, all football fans who worship John McGinn, have never seen Scotland at a World Cup. "It's all they're talking about," he says.
The excitement is visible everywhere. Chip shops and hairdressers in Glasgow's Anniesland have Saltires draped across windows. Banks in Dumfries have inflatable footballs stuck on walls next to cash machines. Pupils at Clerkhill School in Peterhead have made their own World Cup song. Even singer Susan Boyle has got involved, sharing a video wearing a fur coat and then proudly revealing a Scotland shirt, saying: "No Scotland no party."
For UK readers, the time difference means many matches will be played late at night or in the early hours. Scotland's opener against Haiti kicks off at 02:00 BST, while their second match against Brazil on Thursday 25 June starts at 23:00 BST. Fans are planning to stay up or set alarms. Andy Munro says his family will go to bed around 8pm and wake up at 1.30am to watch the Haiti game. Teachers like Lucy McEwan expect bleary-eyed pupils the next day.
Q: When does Scotland play their first World Cup match? Scotland's opening Group C match is against Haiti at 02:00 BST on Sunday 14 June 2026, live on ITV.
Q: Who is in Scotland's World Cup group? Scotland are in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and one other team yet to be confirmed in the sources.
Q: How can I watch Scotland's World Cup games in the UK? All matches are broadcast live on ITV and STV. Coverage for Scotland's opener begins at 01:30 BST on ITV.
What happens next? Scotland face Brazil on Thursday 25 June at 23:00 BST in their second group match, followed by their final group game on a date yet to be announced. If they progress, the knockout stages await. For now, a nation that has waited 28 years is ready to party.