John McGinn scored a first-half goal as Scotland ended their 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti in their Group C opener on Saturday.

Steve Clarke’s side topped the group after securing their first World Cup win since defeating Sweden at Italia ’90, while Haiti’s long-awaited return to the global stage ended in disappointment despite an encouraging performance.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Haiti vs Scotland: Update

Scotland made the bright start at the Gillette Stadium and posed an early threat through Ben Dock, whose low effort forced a save from Haiti goalkeeper Jonny Placide. After escaping Haitian pressure, the Scots came close to taking the lead when Scott McTominay’s first-time effort from the edge of the area hit the post.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Placide initially denied Che Adams from close range, but the rebound fell to McGinn, whose shot took two deflections before going into the net. The goal made the Aston Villa midfielder Scotland’s oldest scorer in a World Cup final.

Buoyed by the opener, Scotland almost doubled their advantage before the break when Lawrence Shankland headed home a narrow lead from a Dock cross. However, Haiti remained dangerous and almost took full advantage of an error by Angus Gunn, who parried a powerful effort from Ruben Providence before his defenders cleared the threat.

There were few clear chances in the second half, although Scotland continued to threaten on the counter. Andy Robertson’s lovely cross from the left found Doc at the back post, but Martin Experience made a vital block to keep Haiti in the contest.

McGinn then missed a chance to put the result beyond doubt after the hour mark as he headed home his effort under pressure from Ricardo Addé.

Haiti refused to relent and scored an equalizer in the closing stages. Wilson came within inches of converting Isidore Providence’s dangerous cross, while Frantzdi Pierrot glanced a header wide as the Caribbean side searched for what would have been their first World Cup points.

Despite late pressure, Scotland held firm and secured an important victory in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Scotland next face Morocco on June 19 after the North Africans drew 1-1 with Brazil earlier in the day, while Haiti take on the five-time world champions in their other Group C match.

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