Aston Villa midfielder scores the decisive goal as Scotland secures its first World Cup victory in decades and moves ahead of Brazil and Morocco in Group C.
Scotland marked its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a valuable 1-0 victory over Haiti, securing three points that send Steve Clarke’s side to the top of Group C after Matchday 1.
With Brazil and Morocco drawing 1-1 earlier in the day, Scotland took full advantage, claiming sole possession of first place thanks to a disciplined performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The Scots were backed by more than 30,000 members of the famous Tartan Army, but Haiti made them work hard for every minute of the contest. The Caribbean nation, appearing in its first World Cup in 52 years, delivered an organized and determined performance that kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle.
The decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute. A well-constructed attack down the right flank, initiated by the lively Ben Doak, created space for Scotland inside the penalty area. The ball eventually found John McGinn, who calmly finished to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay was influential throughout the match, helping Scotland control possession and dictate the tempo in midfield. However, Haiti refused to back down and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
The second half saw the Scots struggle to put the game away, while Haiti remained competitive and created several moments of concern for the Scottish defense. Despite the pressure, goalkeeper Angus Gunn and the back line held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
When the final whistle arrived, Scotland celebrated a victory that not only ends a 28-year wait for a World Cup win but also places the team in a strong position ahead of upcoming clashes against Morocco and Brazil.
Match Report: Haiti 0-1 Scotland
Goal: 28′ McGinn (SCO)
Haiti (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Experience; Deedson (61′ Casimir), Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence (84′ Fortuné); Pierrot, Isidor (75′ Duverne).
Head Coach: Sébastien Migné
Scotland (4-4-2): Gunn; Hickey (74′ Patterson), Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak (74′ Christie), McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn (82′ Curtis); Shankland (82′ McLean), Adams (74′ Dykes).
Head Coach: Steve Clarke
Goals: 28′ McGinn
Yellow Cards: Bellegarde (Haiti), Hickey (Scotland), McLean (Scotland)
Red Cards: None
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C
