Scotland 1-0 Haiti: John McGinn Fires Scots to Winning Start at FIFA World Cup 2026

A first-half strike from John McGinn proved the difference as Scotland opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in Group C in Boston.

The Scots started brightly, with Scott McTominay going close on multiple occasions, first heading over the bar before seeing an effort crash against the post. Their pressure eventually paid off when McGinn found the breakthrough, giving Steve Clarke’s side a lead they would not relinquish.

Haiti responded with determination and came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Providence delivered a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but Wilson Isidor was unable to apply the finishing touch.

Later, Frantzdy Pierrot rose highest to meet a cross from the right, only to see his powerful header drift narrowly wide of the far post.
The second half remained intense but short on clear-cut chances. McGinn nearly doubled Scotland’s advantage after finding space inside the box, but his effort went wide under pressure from the Haitian defence.

Despite Haiti’s late surge, Scotland held firm to secure all three points and register their first World Cup opening-match victory since defeating New Zealand 5-2 at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.

John McGinn earns the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match trophy. 👑

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/G3kwp5Qm8w

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2026

Player of the Match: John McGinn (Scotland)