Boston FIFA World Cup live news, traffic, transit for Haiti-Scotland
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Here’s what you need to know about the World Cup in Boston today
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Rooting for Brazil makes strangers instant family — 7:15 p.m.
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
The Dubliner Irish bar in downtown Boston was unusually packed for 7 p.m. Friday, with the line outside extending beyond the bar’s exterior. Fans crowded around several TV screens, all broadcasting the World Cup match.
Both Brazil and Scotland fans showed out to the bar, mingling with each other during halftime.
Hugo Santos and Luis Martins only met today, but watching Brazil in the World Cup has already made them “family,” Santos said.
Santos, from Rio de Janeiro, said soccer “changed his life” when he got to come to Fisher College in Boston on a soccer scholarship.
Martins is from Brazil — he predicted the country would win 3-1 in its game against Morocco.
“Brazil is nervous,” Santos said. “The badge of Brazil is heavy, it’s a way of life.”
Boston Fan Zone in the Seaport draws a crowd — 7:00 p.m.
By Thai Theodoro, Globe Staff
Chatter filled the room as families streamed into Boston’s Fan Zone to watch Haiti take on Scotland. Over the crowd floated the tune “Haïti Chérie” – “Beloved Haiti” – its guitar melodies swaying like a neighborhood celebration, carrying equal parts nostalgia and excitement for Haitian fans.
Alexsandra Wiafe, 46, of Salem, arrived at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center with her two children, ages 7 and 11, and her best friend, eager for kickoff.
“I’m really excited, I’m anxious and I can’t wait till the game starts,” Wiafe said.
Wiafe said she learned about the watch party on Instagram and was drawn to its family-friendly atmosphere.
“A lot of the other ones they’re for adults,” she said.
What it’s like at Gillette Stadium — 6:50 p.m.
By Amin Touri, Globe Staff
It’s been nothing but positivity here at Gillette Stadium, even between opposing fans. We’ve already seen plenty of camaraderie here in Foxborough, where Scotland and Haiti fans are snapping photos together, wishing each other luck, and trading hugs and high-fives.
With Brazil facing Morocco, fans make their way to City Hall Plaza — 6:30 p.m.
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
At the City Hall Plaza Fan Fest around 6 p.m. Saturday, the number of fans sporting Brazil’s yellow and green colors was giving the mass of Scotland supporters a run for their money.
Isabella Shannon and Hunter Cole watched the match between Brazil and Morocco on a massive screen. Shannon is from Brazil, and Cole is American.
“I kind of dragged him out here,” she joked.
The couple registered for Fan Fest for the food offerings and to watch the game with a crowd.
“Brazil is really good,” Shannon said. “I wanted to see it on a big screen.”
Livia and Benjamin Vieira watched the game intently, dressed head to toe in the colors of the Brazilian flag.
When Morocco scored the first goal of the game, Benjamin gripped his head in frustration.
He did not want to talk about the game. Livia Vieira said it would just “stress him out.”
“Brazil is not playing well,” Livia said, adding that the team has been making lots of mistakes. The pair are “very big fans” of the country’s soccer team.
Last Foxborough-bound train heads out — 6:15 p.m.
By Thai Theodoro and Jaden Perry, Globe Correspondents
Fans hoping to catch a train at South Station were still packed along Summer Street with the last ride to Foxborough scheduled to depart at 6 p.m.
Brendan Kavanagh, 36, of Boston, said he was not worried about getting to the game early.
“I’m just excited to be going to a World Cup game in my home city,” Kavanagh said.
A Liverpool fan, Kavanagh said he is rooting for Scotland because of Andy Robertson, the team’s captain and longtime Liverpool left back. His friends, who came with him, are rooting for Haiti.
“For Scotland and Haiti, it’s a pleasure to be at the World Cup, so everyone’s just happy to be at it. Hopefully, it’s a good game,” Kavanagh said.
Beer cans and to-go boxes littered the ground near the line for the train.
With half of his face painted in the red and blue colors, Chris Bassett said he figured he’d root for the “underdog” because he has a British-motivated rivalry with Scotland.
“I think no matter who wins, it’s just a really fun event for people to come together and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to see games in the U.S,” Bassett said.
At South Station, cab drivers find opportunity — 6:05 p.m.
By Thai Theodoro and Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondents
One family became impatient with the line at South Station.
As drivers across the street yelled “$400 for six people or $250 for four people,” the family ran to get into one of the cars.
Nearby, Steve Doss was working the register at the Land of Beer Wine and Spirits store inside South Station.
“Something’s going on. I can’t quite figure it out,” Doss joked, adding sarcastically that it was only “a hair” busier than usual.
Doss said it was a pleasant day at work and everyone was in a good mood.
“I feel a bit underdressed,” he said about his numerous customers in kilts.
Several food trucks were also parked in Dewey Square as fans lined up for the train to Boston Stadium. One was serving Haitian food, while another served crepes.
The state’s Department of Transportation had set up a table to hand out bug repellent wipes, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
As boarding groups checked in at South Station — the latest one, E, was scheduled for 5:45 — the crowd at the waiting area started to dwindle.
‘This is history. I am part of history. This is beautiful.’ — 6:00 p.m.
By Thai Theodoro, Globe Correspondent
When Victoria Brissot, 29, left Haiti for the United States 16 years ago, she said she never imagined she would one day watch her home country take the field on soccer’s biggest stage.
“This is history. I am part of history. This is beautiful,” said Brissot, of Boston.
Brissot felt pride for her country as the glitter and paintings across her cheeks in the colors of the Haitian flag caught the afternoon light.
Haiti enters today’s matchup as the underdog, ranked 83rd in the world compared with Scotland’s 42nd in FIFA’s official rankings. But for many Haitian fans, the moment carries meaning beyond soccer.
For Brissot, simply seeing Haiti reach this moment on the world stage was enough.
“They did the best that they could, and they got us here, which is more than enough,” she said. “I’m super proud of them. Super, super proud.”
Commuter rail operator says queuing ‘proceeding as planned’ — 5:50 p.m.
By Chris Van Buskirk, Globe Staff
A spokesperson for Keolis, the operator of the MBTA’s commuter rail, said passengers for trains to Foxborough were arriving at South Station “well before their boarding time, which is leading to longer lines.”
But the spokesperson said queueing was “proceeding as planned” and trains were departing South Station on time and arriving at Foxborough “on or ahead of schedule.”
“All ticketed passengers will be accommodated on board Boston Stadium trains,” the spokesperson said in a statement to the Globe.
Tickets from South Station to Boston Stadium required an advance reservation, and passengers selected a boarding group with a corresponding arrival time, according to the spokesperson.
That’s a lot of red: Traffic tracker near Gillette — 5:45 p.m.
Take a look at the live traffic map near Gillette Stadium here.
Haitian fans say they’re unfazed by sea of kilts: ‘We’ve faced worse’ — 5:30 p.m.
By Thai Theodoro and Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondents
Ker Vens, 33, of Cambridge, arrived at South Station with his Haitian-American family dressed in matching Haitian jerseys.
Vens said his family had so far waited about 40 minutes to board a train to Foxborough and were already nearing the station’s entrance.
Before heading out, Vens said the group celebrated the Haitian way by gathering for a house party and taking plenty of photos.
“We expect to win,” he said.
Vens didn’t hesitate when asked if he felt intimidated by the large presence of Scottish fans in kilts compared to those wearing Haiti’s red jersey.
“We’ve faced worse,” he said.
Others in line were getting antsy. Several supporters of Scotland said they would rather pay for an $80 Uber ride than continue waiting to enter South Station.
Elsewhere near South Station, one fan exclaimed, “This is [expletive] wild” as he walked along the line down Congress Street. He was only about halfway to the back of it.
Another said “Crikey!” when they saw the end of the line stretching down Summer Street.
“This is a disgrace,” one Scottish fan, who declined to give his name, said. Waving at two kids standing at his side, he joked, “We were in France when this line started.”
Scotland’s Tartan Army boards buses headed to Gillette — 5:15 p.m.
By Omar Mohammed, Globe Staff
Truck full of Narragansett beer heads to Haiti vs. Scotland game
PROVIDENCE — The buses parked on either side of the street, so they can get the beer on to the buses, a steward said on the loudspeaker.
There were nearly two dozen yellow school buses that picked up the hundreds of fans that had congregated near the state Capitol to head to the game.
“No Scotland, no party,” chants would occasionally break out.
Paul Smith, 63, is from Edinburgh. This is his sixth World Cup. His first was in 1982 in Spain. He has been to all the tournaments that featured Scotland. But this is his first tournament this century.
“For it to be a success, we have to get out of the group. And to be very successful to make it to the round of 16,” he said. “If we don’t win today, we are knackered.”
He is apprehensive.
“You think we should win but there has been so many disasters for Scotland,” he said as he waited to get on one of the buses. There was a delay because they were waiting on beer and wine.
There was a bit of cash left over from the renting of the buses, so they decided to use to get some drinks.
At about 4:30 p.m., the buses left downtown Providence in a line yellow and headed out.
Next stop Foxborough.
“No Scotland, no party,” the fans chanted.
Fans chant on the way to Foxborough, “No Scotland, no party.”
‘Unexpected’ long lines at South Station — 5:05 p.m.
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
At South Station, the line to board trains started at Summer Street, wrapped around from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and stretched the length of Congress Street before looping to Dorchester Street and ending on the other side of Summer Street.
People walking to join the end of the line were shocked when it continued wrapping around multiple streets.
Elie Ciril, who came with his wife and three kids from Miami, said the line was “unexpected.”
“It goes to show the excitement” and popularity of the World Cup, he said, also joking that “for every 10 Scottish guys, there’s one Haiti fan.”
“It’s not fair,” he said, laughing.
The line was moving quickly at around 5 p.m. The Ciril family had joined about 10 minutes before they crossed from Summer Street to Dorchester Avenue.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Vicki Krupp said from the back of the line at 5 p.m. Saturday. She said her time slot to arrive at South Station was between 5 and 5:30 p.m., and she and her husband arrived right on the dot.“I have faith that Keolis will move this along quickly,” the Massachusetts local and Haiti fan said.
What it’s like on the commuter rail to Gillette? — 5:00 p.m.
By Amin Touri, Globe Staff
I’m riding the train down to cover tonight’s game. All is pretty peaceful — everyone has a seat on our carriage and aside from some chatting here and there, not too much noise.
Most of the drama is surrounding the wait for the bathroom; the line extends through about four carriages and is only getting longer.
Video: Crowds gather to head to Foxborough — 4:45 p.m.
Fans commute from South Station and Downtown Providence to Foxborough
Photo: Team Scotland walks through Copley Square — 4:40 p.m.
Scottish fans board buses in Providence with nervous excitement — 4:30 p.m.
By Omar Mohammed, Globe Staff
PROVIDENCE — Hundreds of Scotland’s Tartan Army fans congregated by the state Capitol to board buses to Foxborough, about 20 miles away from downtown Providence, for their country’s game against Haiti later tonight.
Some of the supporters wore Scotland’s new away jersey.
“Is it orange, salmon pink? We have the same debate. We do not know,” said Maggie Dawson, 54, from Aushterarder in central Scotland. “It’s the color of winners in the first game. In the next games, we will play in our traditional blue.”
Dawson was among the throngs of fans waiting for the buses as a Scottish bagpipe band serenaded them with music.
Bryan Harris, 51, of Dundee, Scotland, said he was feeling nervous excitement as he waited for the bus.
“Twenty-eight years we’ve been waiting for this. Last time in 1998, I was in France as a student. I didn’t think it would take this long to qualify again,” he said. “This is the biggest game. Forget Morocco. Forget Brazil. Three points against Haiti should get us through to the next round. We’ve never done it before. It’d be history in the making.”
‘I hope you guys lose, but best of luck!’ — 4:15 p.m.
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
As a group of Scotland fans passed four people carrying Haitian flags, one yelled, “I hope you guys lose, but best of luck!”
“You don’t mean that,” Johnny Thermoncy laughed in reply.
The group of Haiti fans was getting a lot of attention outside of Fan Fest on Saturday as Scottish supporters flooded downtown Boston.
“It’s fun, actually,” Max Bem, a friend of Thermoncy’s, said of the rivalry. “They were chanting when they saw us, but at one point they were like, ’Hey, come over here, let’s take a picture.’”
Bem grew up playing soccer and said his love for the sport is “in his blood.”
Thermoncy said he’s glad Haiti is getting international attention, which he said the country needs as it endures a humanitarian crisis.
“The country, the Haitian people, they need that fervor, they need that support,” he said.
The last time Haiti played in the World Cup was 1974, making the day even more special for fans.
“We have a lot of Haitians coming from everywhere to watch the game and support Haiti,” Thermoncy said. “Maybe with that support, that would send a message to the country to get back on its feet, to get better.”
Five hours ‘til game time — 4:00 p.m.
As the 9 p.m. kickoff between Haiti and Scotland inches closer, crowds are swelling at South Station in Boston, where fans are boarding the commuter rail to get to Foxborough, and in Providence, where fans will ride buses to Gillette Stadium.
Are you traveling to the game? Let us know about your experience in the comments.
Scotland’s World Cup takeover of Boston reached Fenway Park — 3:45 p.m.
By Avery Hill, Globe Correspondent
One ride through Boston will let you know that the Scots travel well. Fenway Park is no exception.
Whether it was in or outside of the stadium, a kilt, sporran, or Scottish flag could be spotted at every turn on Friday night for the Red Sox’ 10-1 win over the Rangers.
Many Scottish fans don’t have previous experience with the World Cup, as it’s been 28 years since the nation’s last appearance, but what do they know about baseball? For many, not much.
“One of the American guys that I work with, he was actually saying if you hear the ball whistling, duck,” Dannie Buchan of Fraserburgh, Scotland, said.
Video: A Scottish invasion at the Dubliner (complete with bagpipes!) — 3:30 p.m.
Earlier this morning on talkSPORT, a popular British sports talk radio station, reporter Shebahn Aherne said there were dozens of fans waiting outside the Dubliner near City Hall Plaza.
It was 9 a.m. The bar wasn’t set to open for another two hours.
talkSPORT reported more than 24,000 Scotland fans had traveled to Boston to watch Scotland-Haiti at Gillette Stadium on Sunday night.
To kill time before kickoff, a bagpiper came by to play for those gathered at the bar. Watch:
Bagpipes and Scotland fans flock to the Dubliner Pub in downtown Boston
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
Connor Hardy, the Boston police officer who went viral for juggling a soccer ball with World Cup fans earlier on Saturday, has had some practice. The 14-year veteran of the department played soccer in high school and at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire.
“I had a little background,” he joked, standing inside Fan Fest Saturday afternoon.
Boston cop goes viral for soccer skills
Hardy said he saw a group of American and Scottish fans playing soccer together, getting “revved up” for tonight’s game, and decided to join.
“When I went over there, I think they originally thought I was gonna steal the ball and be the fun police,” he said. “I actually just kind of did my thing with them, and it was fun, and it turned out funny.”
Hardy said he never expected to go viral. The video of him showing off his juggling skills before getting swarmed by fans has garnered millions of views on social media.
“Never something I thought would happen,” he said. “It’s all good fun though — it’s great, the World Cup here in Boston.”
See live traffic at Gillette Stadium — 3:00 p.m.
What’s the scene like at Gillette? Our reporters are on the way. For now, take a look at our live traffic tracker.
‘I have never seen so many Scottish people’ — 2:45 p.m.
By Emily Spatz, Globe Correspondent
Soccer fans packed Downtown Boston Saturday afternoon just ahead of the matchup between Qatar and Switzerland at 3 p.m. Scottish supporters filled Union Street — some singing and dancing, others relaxing in the shade before heading to Foxborough this evening.
Scottish flags and kilts were everywhere. People clutched clear bags — the only ones allowed in Boston Stadium for the games — adorned with Scottish paraphernalia as they moved between bars.
Kids played with inflatable soccer balls, kicking them in the air to cheers from the crowd.
At City Hall Plaza, Benedita Melgaço and Carolina Melgaço stood out against a sea of blue and white in their bright yellow Brazilian jerseys.
The two traveled from Brazil to watch their country play in the 6 p.m. match against Morocco in New Jersey tonight. They chose Boston because they have family here.
They didn’t know Scotland was playing today, but figured so because of the mass of fans.
“I have never seen so many Scottish people. Only in Scotland,” Benedita, who is Carolina’s aunt, joked.
‘To have Haiti at the World Cup is like a miracle’ — 2:30 p.m.
By Omar Mohammed, Globe Staff
Jean Zephir, 33, was at the official FIFA-designated Providence Fan Fest with his family, including Henley, 1.
He was enjoying Joé Dwèt Filé’s “Kompa” playing at the park and getting ready to cheer for Haiti later tonight at the game against Scotland at Foxborough.
“To have Haiti at the World Cup is like a miracle,” he said. “To have Haiti back is fantastic.”
He came to check out the fan fest where Amapiano and Soca sounds blasted through the air. Zephir plans to drive to Foxborough later this afternoon.
His nephew John St. Franc, 11, supports Brazil at the World Cup.
“I like Neymar,” he said.
Zephir plans to meet up with friends at the stadium.
“I feel like it’s a battle, and Haiti is a winner. To be part of the World Cup is a chance for us to show how great we are,” he said. “People see that Haiti is the worst. But being in the World Cup, we proved to the world how great we are, and we are still alive.”
Seide Richemond, 35, grew up in Haiti and moved to the U.S. at 13. He now lives in Central Falls, R.I.
He came to the fan fest in downtown Providence on his way to the game later today.
“As a kid growing up watching the sport, the idea of seeing Haiti at the World Cup was unimaginable, an event of a lifetime not to be missed,” he said.
He is heading to the game later with his brother and expects Haiti to pull off an upset.
“As far as celebrations go, no one can beat Haiti,” Richemond said. “Haitians love celebrating, and at the game it’s going to be a celebration of our culture.”
Video: Bagpipes fill the streets — 2:15 p.m.
Bagpipes fill the streets of Boston and Providence
Gillet … err, Boston Stadium is ready for its World Cup closeup — 2:10 p.m.
By Michael Silverman, Globe Staff
Kevin Clark never lost faith that Saturday’s first World Cup game in these parts would actually take place at Boston Stadium.
But after FIFA’s venue operations director was mostly finished showing off the pristine checkerboard grass field, the locker rooms Scotland and Haiti will be using, the sprawling Stadium Fan Experience, and more to the media on Thursday, he admitted that much of the drama that preceded kickoff this year did not make fulfilling an already tall order any easier.
“Operationally, no, there weren’t any delays,” said Clark about how, for months, the Town of Foxborough held up granting the entertainment license FIFA and the Kraft Group needed. “We also don’t have any time to lose, so we needed to basically carry on unimpeded. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to deliver this on Saturday.”
The “pretty sizable flip” in attitude and morale that came with the license’s approval in mid-March translated into the transformation of Gillette Stadium into the FIFA-approved venue it is today.
It is match-ready.
After working their way through a warren of fencing, barrier-lined queue zones, gates, and metal detectors, fans will still recognize the stadium. The Patriots’ six championship banners above the south scoreboard haven’t gone anywhere.
Inside the seating bowl, just about the only other signage visible to the naked eye will say “FIFA,” “World Cup,” “Boston,” or one of FIFA’s top sponsors.
“I just want the game on Saturday to come and then I’ll be 100 percent proud, but I’m really proud,” said Greg Whately, venue pitch manager of how the field is taking shape. “This is the pinnacle for any player. We’re giving them the stage to perform, so we have to give them the proper stage.”
Photos: Tartan Army takes on Boston Harbor — 1:50 p.m.
Photos by Jessica Rinaldi, Globe Staff
The nine best soccer bars in Greater Boston for World Cup watching — 1:45 p.m.
These tried-and-true soccer bars in the Boston area will be ready for legions of fans, regardless of your team allegiance.
With big screen televisions, specialty drinks, and delicious noshables, these spots are perfect for immersing in the excitement without having to shell out for tickets. Check out the list here.
He walked across the country to see Scotland in the World Cup. His last stop? Boston. — 1:30 p.m.
By Matt Porter, Globe Staff
He walked 500 miles. Then he walked 500 more.
For Craig Ferguson, that was only the beginning.
Since late February, the Scottish soccer superfan has been walking across America, more than 3,100 miles from Los Angeles to Boston, to accomplish two goals: raise money for mental health services in his country, and arrive in time for Scotland’s opener against Haiti on Saturday — the Scots’ first World Cup match in 28 years.
As a vehicle for celebration and donation, the 22-year-old hiked the world’s fourth-widest nation. He is believed to be the first to go coast-to-coast in a kilt.
“Adventure, that’s the heart of it,” said Ferguson, a content creator from Paisley, the town west of Glasgow known for its teardrop textile. “Being able to tell my kids one day that I walked across an entire country like the US is pretty cool to me.”
When he arrived there on Friday, it was his 109th day on the road. He has taken six rest days in that time. His longest day covered more than 40 miles, some 82,000 steps, and nearly 12 hours. He has climbed nearly 3,000 feet on some days while burning upward of 4,500 calories.
Boston officially has the world’s largest soccer ball — 1:15 p.m.
By Jaden Perry, Globe Correspondent
The World’s Largest Soccer Ball is officially in Boston, adding another point on the scoreboard for the World Cup host city.
The 47-foot-tall soccer ball was officially given the title Friday, at an event held in East Boston. The achievement was officiated by Guinness World Records.
“Go big or go home in Boston,” Mayor Michelle Wu said to a crowd of people in Piers Park, where the soccer ball stands.
The Guinness World Record official adjudicator, Andy Glass, joined Wu on stage. And, after her speech, he awarded the city with Guinness’ celebrated plaque.
“There’s one more exciting thing to see in East Boston,” Wu said.
Throughout the event, the giant blue ball loomed over the speakers. Tethered by long wires to fixate its place on stage, the inflatable is printed with the silhouettes of the world’s continents — a tribute to those coming here for the tournament from across the world.
“We’re welcoming the world to Boston,” said Senator Lydia Edwards, who represents the East Boston area. “It’s just incredible that the world will be able to see what we get to see every day, which is a beautiful, vibrant green city that is welcoming to all.”
Over the next week, the ball will remain inflated at Piers Park.
Video: He promised his son they’d go to the World Cup — 1:00 p.m.
Father and son from Edinburgh ready for ‘really special’ moment
By Omar Mohammed, Globe Staff
PROVIDENCE — Conrad Balatoni, 35, and his son, Theo, 9, arrived in downtown Providence from Edinburgh on Friday. They chose to travel to Providence because it was cheaper and closer to Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
Balatoni said he “promised” Theo that if the Scottish national team qualified for the World Cup, he’d bring his son to the United States to see them play.
“It’s really special. I have never seen a Scotland game live, so I am excited that my first one will be a World Cup match,” Theo said.
Balatoni said the trip is special for him because he also played professional soccer in the Scottish Premier League.
“It’s good seeing boys I played with, such as Scott McKenna, who plays center back, playing at the highest level in World Football,” Balatoni said. “It’s a testament to the hard work they’ve put in to get to the highest level and give us Scottish fans something special to experience.”
Balatoni had one more promise for Theo.
“What if they go to the final?” Theo asked his dad.
“If they go to the final, we’ll go,” Conrad said.
Scottish fans take to downtown Providence ahead of match — 12:45 p.m.
By Omar Mohammed, Globe Staff
PROVIDENCE — Hours before Scotland was scheduled to take to the field, Chris McLeish, 45, and his brother-in-law Dave Paton were getting ready to head into the G Pub in downtown Providence around 11 a.m.
The duo from Glasgow arrived in Boston the night before and plan to head to Foxborough later this afternoon. But the pair stopped off for a pint first.
“We are hoping for a good time,” McLeish said while sporting the jersey of Scotland’s Scott McTominay. “A Scotland victory and a good time. No Scotland, no party. It’s a Tartan Army slogan.”
At a street festival near the pub, Jack McKenzie, 14, from Alloa in Central Scotland, and his cousin Derren Douglas, 12, were with their parents enjoying the bright, hot start to the day. The group plans to head to the game around 2 p.m.
“We expect to win [tonight], and if we win, we’ll have a big chance of going through,” McKenzie said.
About the match: Scotland’s captain should be good to go — 12:30 p.m.
By Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Correspondent
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from a stomach ailment and is expected to play against Haiti in a World Cup Group C game on Saturday night.
McTominay arrived in Boston from Charlotte, N.C., on a separate flight, accompanied by a doctor, then practiced with the team Friday at the Revolution Training Center. (Training visitors included restauranteur Gordon Ramsay, who played for Rangers on a trial basis in the 1980s.)
McTominay, 29, converted a key goal off a bicycle kick in a 4-2 win over Denmark that clinched qualification in November.
“I’ve got 26 superstars here. To try to put so much onto one person is not fair,” Scotland coach Steve Clarke said. “We are delighted with Scott’s abilities and what he can bring to the team. But we are going to need another 15 to bring the same if we want to have a positive tournament.”
After transferring from Manchester United to Napoli two years ago, McTominay emerged among the top attacking midfielders in Serie A and on the international stage. Until recently, though, Clarke had McTominay lining up on the back line for Scotland.
“Some daft head coach put him as a center half five years ago,” Clarke said.
Scotland, which last competed in the finals in 1998, has been revived under Clarke’s coaching.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. First time in 28 years we’ve been here, first time for Haiti since 1974. They’re also a proud nation. They’re going to be here 100 percent committed, same as we are,” he said. “And we know they have qualities that can cause us problems on the pitch, so we have to deal with those problems and we have to try and bring our best game to the pitch when we have the ball. If we can do that, then, hopefully that will be enough to win the game.
“It’s going to be a squad World Cup. The starting team is important, [but] I think you’ll find a lot of games the team that finishes the game is every bit as important, if not more important.”
About the match: Haiti back in tournament for first time since 1974 — 12:15 p.m.
By Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Correspondent
Haiti’s World Cup qualifying experiences have been unique. In 1974, it played host to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament, all matches contested at Stade Sylvio Cator in Port-au-Prince. Les Grenadiers advanced to the finals for the first time, but lost all three games in Germany.
This time, Haiti played all its qualifiers on the road, becoming the first country to make it to the finals that way.
“Today, it’s a whole different story,” Haiti coach Sebastian Migne said. “It is different from the 1974 era, and it is up to us to rise to the challenge.”
Migne said earning at least a point “would be a huge reward for the garçons, and even if we didn’t score any points [in the first two games], with the new rules, the best eight [third-place teams] advance. But we hope to accomplish that tomorrow, if possible playing nice soccer, so we can take the fans with us, and cultivate excitement around us. There are always teams like this, and we could be one.”
Migne called forward Frantzdy Pierrot, born in Cap Haïtien and raised in Melrose, “one of the pillars” of the team.
“What is great for him, he is currently at his best,” Migne said. “And he is in his hometown for his first game in the World Cup. That adds to the motivation and to the pressure, and I trust him to manage that.”
Looking for a last-minute ticket to Haiti-Scotland? It’ll cost ya. — 12:00 p.m.
By Katie McInerney, Globe Staff
Most fans headed to Saturday’s World Cup game probably have tickets already — and for good reason: Tickets on sale right now are well over $1,000 and are likely to climb as kickoff approaches.
If you’re planning to head to the game, you better have your travel planned. Tickets to take the commuter rail to the stadium are sold out.
Chris Serres can be reached at chris.serres@globe.com. Follow him @ChrisSerres. Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu. Camilo Fonseca can be reached at camilo.fonseca@globe.com. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports. Katie McInerney can be reached at katie.mcinerney@globe.com. Follow her on Instagram at @katiemac.sports. Thai Theodoro can be reached at thai.theorodo@globe.com. Jaden Perry can be reached at jaden.perry@globe.com. Emily Spatz can be reached at emily.spatz@globe.com. Follow her on X @emilymspatz.
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