Scotland's national football team successfully kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by defeating Haiti 1-0 in a Group C match held at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. John McGinn scored the only goal of the match in the 28th minute after his shot deflected in a different direction, helping secure the first score.
This is Scotland's first World Cup victory since 1990 when they beat Sweden in the tournament in Italy. It is also the country's first win in any major international tournament since Euro 1996. Thousands of Scottish supporters flocked to the 64,000-seat stadium to witness their team's first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
Although Scotland controlled much of the first half, the victory was not easy. Haiti threatened several times, especially in the latter part of the match. Frantzdy Pierrot of Haiti nearly scored in the 85th minute, but his header went slightly wide and missed the target. Scotland also had a chance to increase their lead when Scott McTominay's powerful shot hit the goalpost in the first half.
With the win, Scotland tops Group C and strengthens its chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup—something the country has never achieved in tournament history. Scotland will next face Morocco before their highly anticipated match against Brazil. Meanwhile, Haiti will take on Brazil in their next game as they seek their first points in the tournament.
