World Cup: Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 to end 36-year wait for World Cup victory

Scotland ended a 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, thanks to John McGinn’s first-half strike.

Steve Clarke’s side moved to the top of the group after securing their first World Cup win since beating Sweden in Italy ’90, while Haiti’s long-awaited return to the global stage ended in disappointment despite an encouraging display.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Haiti vs Scotland: UPDATES

Scotland started brightly at Gillette Stadium and threatened early through Ben Doak, whose low effort forced a save from Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placid. After surviving a spell of Haitian pressure, the Scots went close to taking the lead when Scott McTominay’s first-time effort hit the post from the edge of the area.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Placide initially denied Che Adams from close range, but the rebound fell to McGinn, whose shot bounced twice before looping into the net. The goal made the Aston Villa midfielder Scotland’s top goalscorer at a World Cup final.

Buoyed by the opening, Scotland almost doubled their advantage before the break when Lawrence Shankland headed just wide of Doak. However, Haiti remained dangerous and almost capitalized on a mistake by Angus Gunn, who headed home Ruben Providence’s strong effort before his defenders cleared the danger.

The second half produced few clear-cut opportunities, although Scotland continued to threaten on the counter. Andy Robertson’s challenging cross from the left found Doak at the back post, but Martin Experience made a crucial block to keep Haiti in the match.

McGinn then squandered a chance to put the result beyond doubt after the hour, stretching his effort wide under pressure from Ricardo Ade.

Haiti refused to let up and pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages. Wilson Isidor came inches from converting a dangerous Providence cross while Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide as the Caribbean side looked for what would be their first ever World Cup point.

Despite late pressure, Scotland remained determined and held on for a significant win in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

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

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

14 Jun 2026 08:44 IST