FIFA World Cup 2026: Scotland achieved their first World Cup win in 36 years with a narrow 1-0 victory against Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Captain John McGinn scored the only goal in the first half.
It was the team’s first appearance at the tournament in the 21st century. Under coach Steve Clarke, Scotland moved to the top of Group C after ending a long drought dating back to 1990.
Scotland began strongly and nearly scored early when Ben Doak tested the Haiti goalkeeper with a low shot. Haiti applied pressure in response, yet Scotland’s defense held firm with little threat to goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
In the 17th minute, Scott McTominay fired just wide from outside the box. The breakthrough came before half an hour when McGinn converted after a rebound from Che Adams’ effort, with the shot taking a deflection.
The goal ended Scotland’s extended wait for a World Cup strike and made McGinn the nation’s oldest scorer in the competition. The team nearly extended the lead through Lawrence Shankland, while Haiti came close to equalizing before the interval.
Fewer chances arose in the second half as Haiti sought a point. Several attackers threatened but Scotland maintained their defense to secure the result.
