Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup has hit its first speed bump before a ball has even been kicked. Centre-back Scott McKenna has been ruled out of the opening Group C match against Haiti due to a calf injury, leaving head coach Steve Clarke with a defensive puzzle to solve ahead of the June 14 fixture at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

What happened with McKenna

The 29-year-old Dinamo Zagreb defender had already been managing fitness concerns in the buildup to the tournament. McKenna missed training on June 11 at Scotland’s base in Charlotte, North Carolina, initially described as a knock.

He previously dealt with a thigh injury in May 2026 before joining the national team squad for World Cup preparations. The calf problem appears to be a separate issue.

There has been no official word on whether McKenna could return for Scotland’s subsequent group matches against Morocco and Brazil.

Scotland’s Group C challenge

Scotland landed in a group alongside Morocco, who reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, and Brazil, perennial contenders with five titles to their name. Haiti, ranked significantly lower in the FIFA standings, represents Scotland’s most realistic opportunity to pick up three points.

McKenna is not the only player dealing with fitness issues in camp. Midfielder Scott McTominay has been managing a stomach complaint, though he is expected to be available for the Haiti match.

This is Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, since France 1998.