Scotland edges Haiti 1-0 for first World Cup victory in 36 years

Scotland returned to the World Cup after 28 years and immediately registered a long-awaited win, beating Haiti 1-0 in front of 64,146 spectators at Boston Stadium. John McGinn’s first-half strike proved decisive, while a spirited Haiti side pressed hard in the closing stages but could not find an equaliser.

Scotland breaks a long wait

The victory is Scotland's first at a men's World Cup finals since a 2-1 defeat of Sweden in 1990. The team had last appeared at the tournament in 1998, and McGinn’s goal was the first scored by a Scottish player at the competition in 10,255 days, since Craig Burley found the net against Norway at France ’98. Steve Clarke's side had qualified directly after winning their European qualifying group.

McGinn settles the contest

The decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute. Che Adams’ close-range effort was saved by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but the rebound fell to McGinn, whose shot deflected off Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and looped into the net. Earlier, Scott McTominay had struck the post from 16 metres. Scotland created further danger through winger Ben Gannon-Doak, while McGinn missed a chance in the 73rd minute when he shot just wide of the far post.

Haiti push but fall short

Haiti, competing at their first World Cup since 1974, grew into the match and dominated the final stretch. Ruben Providence was denied by goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 34th minute after a penetrating run. Frantzdy Pierrot headed narrowly wide in the 85th minute and saw a volley in the fourth minute of stoppage time held by Gunn. The Caribbean side, featuring English Premier League experience through Bellegarde and Wilson Isidor, could not convert their late pressure.

Group C takes shape

The result placed Scotland at the top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 earlier on Saturday.

Scotland

3

Brazil

1

Morocco

1

Scotland

3 points

Brazil

1 points

Morocco

1 points

Haiti

0 points

Scotland have three points, while Brazil and Morocco each have one, and Haiti sit without a point. The Scots next face Morocco in Boston on June 20, while Haiti meet Brazil in Philadelphia the same day. Under the expanded 2026 format, three points and a solid goal difference give Clarke's team a realistic path toward a first-ever knockout-stage appearance.