Haiti and Saudi Arabia face off in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D opener. Both teams have had their good moments in the build-up to the competition and will be targeting a positive start to set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
Haiti head into this game off the back of a disappointing 5-1 away defeat to Curacao in the CONCACAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The result put an end to their winning start to the campaign, having won all of their three previous qualifying matches.
That result also ended a 10-match winning run for Haiti, who were beginning to look almost unstoppable. However, a clash against Saudi Arabia represents a step up in quality from their recent opponents.
For Saudi Arabia, they come into this fixture after surrendering a one goal lead to slump to a 2-1 home defeat against Australia in the AFC World Cup qualifiers. With the result, they missed out on automatic qualification but still have a chance to reach the 2026 tournament through the playoffs.
Prior to that setback, Saudi Arabia had been unbeaten in six of seven matches. Herve Renard's men have produced some high-scoring outcomes in that run like the 3-1 victory over Iraq and a 3-2 win over Yemen.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Saudi Arabia
The bookies have installed Saudi Arabia as overwhelming favourites, with a win priced at evens with BoyleSports. A victory for Haiti is valued at 12/5 while a draw is set at odds of 11/5.
Head to head: No previous meeting
This is the first meeting between Haiti and Saudi Arabia.
Players to watch: Reliable Al-Shehri
Saleh Al-Shehri has netted 16 times for Saudi Arabia and could be worth keeping an eye on. He could pair with Abdulrahman Al Oboud in attack to help the Arabian Falcons produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 21/20 with BoyleSports.
Duckens Nazon has netted 40 International goals for Haiti and will be the man tasked with leading the line in this one. Jean Jacques is expected to provide support and both men can combine to provide over 0.5 goals – available at 4/9.
Probable lineups:
Haiti have the full complement of their squad with Nazon, Jacques and Frantzdy Pierrot all expected to start.
Saudi Arabia have no injury worries, with Firas Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri and Al Oboud all expected to start.
Haiti: Placide, Lacroix, Duverne, Ade, Arcus, Jacques, Attys, Pierre, Pierrot, Nazon, Deedson
Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqidi, Al-Johani, Al-Amri, Boushal, Majrashi, Al-Juwayr, Kanno, Kadesh, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Oboud, Al-Buraikan
Anything else catch the eye?
Haiti's last 11 matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals, which is offered at 23/20 on BoyleSports. There is plenty of attacking quality on display and both teams to score is set at odds of 20/23.
There have been goals in each half in Haiti’s last 11 matches in all competitions and they could produce a repeat in this one (goal in each half at 21/20).
GambleAware