Scotland beat Haiti to claim their first World Cup win since 1990

Scotland made a successful start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, defeating Haiti 1-0 in the second match of Group C. The only goal of the game in Boston was scored by Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn.

For Scotland, this was a historic victory: the team won a match at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990. In addition, Scotland won their opening game at a World Cup for the first time since 1982, when they defeated New Zealand 5-2.

The match started at a high tempo. From the opening minutes, both teams exchanged attacks, while Scotland gradually began to increase the pressure on the Haitian goal. Scott McTominay first headed over the bar and then struck the post shortly afterward.

The decisive moment came in the 29th minute. Che Adams controlled a long ball and laid it off to Ben Gannon-Doak, who sent a cross into the penalty area. Haiti’s defence managed to cut it out, but the ball fell to John McGinn. The midfielder struck from the edge of the box, and after a deflection the ball ended up in the net — 1-0.

After the hydration break, Haiti improved and began to find more space around Scotland’s penalty area. Their most dangerous moment of the first half was created by Ruben Providence: he cut inside from the flank and fired a low shot, which Angus Gunn failed to hold cleanly, leading to a scramble in front of the Scottish goal.

The second half remained energetic but produced few clear-cut chances. McGinn could have scored a second after finding himself in a good position inside the Haitian penalty area, but under pressure from Ricardo Ade, he fired wide.

Haiti also had chances to save the game. Providence sent a low ball across the face of goal, but Wilson Isidor was unable to connect at the far post. Late in the match, Frantzdy Pierrot went close after rising above the Scottish defenders to meet a cross from the right wing, but his effort went just wide of the far post.

Scotland held on to their narrow advantage and earned three important points at the start of the tournament. John McGinn, the scorer of the winning goal, was named Player of the Match.

Haiti vs Scotland — 0-1

Goal: McGinn, 29.