Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland are days away from their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with Group C already delivering drama before a ball has been kicked in Boston.
Morocco have been dealt a significant blow just 48 hours before their opening match against Brazil, with two key players ruled out through injury.
Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have both been forced to withdraw from the squad, dealing head coach Mohamed Ouahbi a major headache before the tournament begins.
Marseille defender Aguerd, 30, arrived in camp carrying a groin strain and was unable to feature in Morocco’s pre-tournament friendly against Norway.
Real Betis forward Ezzalzouli was also withdrawn after picking up an injury on Monday night, compounding the North Africans’ defensive concerns ahead of their opening fixture.
The pair have been replaced by Angers defender Amine Sbai and Al Fateh midfielder Marwane Saadane as Morocco scramble to adjust their plans.
Morocco face Brazil on Saturday night before turning their attention to Scotland on Friday June 19, giving Clarke’s side useful information about their opponents ahead of that clash.
Haiti winger Derrick Etienne has meanwhile fired a warning to Scotland, insisting his side have absolutely nothing to lose when the two nations meet in Boston this weekend.
Etienne, who plays for Toronto FC, said: “We don’t really have anything to lose, we have everything to gain, so that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
The Toronto FC winger also highlighted striker Wilson Isidor as a major threat, adding: “He’s direct, strong, good technically and can finish. So, the fact he’s playing with Haiti is amazing.”
Haiti qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, having been forced to play their home qualifiers in Curacao due to political instability in their homeland.
Wolves star Jean-Ricner Bellegarde echoed that sentiment, saying: “I feel pride for the people of Haiti. We know people might have a bad image of our country, that it has lots of problems, but this will do the country, the people, my family so much good.”
Scotland’s talisman Scott McTominay arrives at the tournament in stunning form, having scored his 15th international goal in the 4-0 win over Bolivia last Saturday.
Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister believes the 29-year-old Napoli midfielder is ready to make his presence felt on the global stage, having won the Italian title and the footballer of the year award in his first season at the club.
McAllister said: “I never understood why Manchester United let him go. I don’t think anybody thought he’d go and take over Serie A like he has.”
Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey, who celebrated his 24th birthday during camp, has also backed winger Ben Gannon-Doak to cause havoc throughout the tournament from the start.
Hickey said of the £25 million Bournemouth wide man: “His pace is frightening. He’s probably one of the fastest players I’ve ever played with. He brings that to the team, which is good, so he’s going to be a very important player.”
The Scotland opener against Haiti will also be overseen by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal, who required a police escort after bottles were thrown at officials during an African Champions League semi-final earlier this year.
Ghorbal said ahead of the tournament: “Thank God I was chosen among the list of referees who will participate in the 2026 World Cup – my second tournament.”
Scotland begin their Group C campaign at 2am BST on June 14, with Morocco and Brazil to follow in what promises to be an unforgettable few weeks for the Tartan Army.
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