With Scotland's opening fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 now days away, one question dominates the dressing room debate: who stands between the posts when it matters most?

Experience or form in goal?

The goalkeeping position is the most contested selection call Steve Clarke faces ahead of Scotland's tournament opener. Craig Gordon, 43, brings a wealth of international experience, but questions persist over whether his age counts against him at this level. Angus Gunn has pushed hard for the starting spot on current form, while Zander Kelly remains in the frame as a third option.

Former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell and analyst John Walker joined BBC Radio Scotland's Scottish Football Podcast to debate the merits of each candidate. Bell and Walker argued that form, fitness, and the specific demands of a World Cup opener should drive Clarke's decision — not reputation alone.

Haiti — an underestimated opponent?

Scotland's first opponents, Haiti, have drawn considerable attention from the podcast panel, who issued a firm warning against complacency. Haiti carry genuine pace and power through their ranks, and their counter-attacking threat could punish any Scotland side that commits too many players forward early in the match.

The panel cautioned that Scotland risk exposure if they adopt an overly open approach from the first whistle. Haiti's ability to absorb pressure and strike quickly on the break represents a tactical puzzle Clarke must solve before kick-off.

Tactical decisions for Clarke

The central strategic question is whether Clarke deploys a back five to limit the space Haiti can exploit on transitions, or opts for a more attacking setup befitting a game Scotland will feel they must win.

A back five would offer defensive solidity and protection against Haiti's rapid counter-attacks, but it could also blunt Scotland's own forward threat in a fixture that demands positive results. A more ambitious shape carries greater reward — and greater risk.

With the tournament finally under way and real tension building around the squad, Bell and Walker concluded that Scotland arrive at the biggest stage of their recent history with hard selections still to be made and a testing opening test waiting for them.