Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Wilson Isidor has put Scotland on notice ahead of their World Cup Group C opener, insisting Haiti are not at the tournament simply to make up the numbers.
The Sunderland striker, who joined the club for £5 million in 2024, will be a key figure for Haiti as they prepare to face Steve Clarke’s side on June 14 in Boston.
Haiti warmed up for the tournament with a commanding 4-0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Fort Lauderdale, sending a clear message to their upcoming opponents.
The result under manager Sebastian Migne reinforced the belief that Clarke’s men will face a difficult challenge from one of the tournament’s lowest-ranked nations.
Isidor, formerly of Monaco and Zenit, said: “We’re not here to give out presents. We’re not coming to the World Cup just to participate. We know the objective.”
He added: “Can we cause Scotland problems? Why not? Of course. We play with our heart, we play as a family and we’re a strong team.”
Isidor made clear the emotional motivation driving the squad, saying the team wants to deliver joy to their supporters back home through their performances on the world stage.
He said: “We want to do it for the people, that matters a lot to us. If we can give them joy for one or two hours, that sends a strong message.”
Haiti fans were banned from travelling to the World Cup by US president Donald Trump, yet a vociferous crowd of 10,000 supporters still backed the team during the friendly victory in Fort Lauderdale.
Isidor drew on his Premier League experience to highlight his awareness of Scotland’s key players, naming three men from Clarke’s squad he has faced or played alongside.
He said: “I know some of the Scottish players. Ross Stewart was playing at Sunderland and I’ve played against Andy Robertson and John McGinn. We know what they have.”
The warning from Haiti was reinforced by New Zealand’s Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just, who was on the receiving end of the heavy friendly defeat in Fort Lauderdale.
Just, who was a player-of-the-year nominee in Scotland during his debut season with the Steelmen, urged Scotland not to underestimate the Caribbean nation.
He said: “Haiti are a good side, they have a lot of good one-v-one players and were really sharp. They’re direct, strong, powerful and they’ll cause teams some problems.”
Just added: “If anyone thinks there will be easy games at the World Cup, that will be a mistake. I hope Scotland don’t underestimate them because they’re a good side.”
Just’s own future in Scottish football remains uncertain after an impressive debut campaign at Motherwell, with his former manager Jens Berthel Askou having departed the club for Toulouse.
The midfielder has been linked with big-money moves to Old Firm clubs this summer, and he admitted the speculation was flattering after just one season in the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “It’s nice to hear my name mentioned with big clubs and it’s not something I expected going in. But it’s a testament to not only my hard work but the whole squad.”
Just reflected on his broader career journey, saying he had spent time bouncing around lower leagues before stepping up to show his potential in Scotland this past season.
He said: “I want to play at the highest level, absolutely. Everyone wants to keep pushing and test themselves to see how far they can go.”
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