World Cup 2026: Scotland edge past Haiti with McGinn's opener

Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their World Cup 2026 Group C opener on Saturday, with John McGinn opening the scoring in the 28th minute. After Che Adams won possession, McGinn collected the ball at the edge of the box and fired a shot that deflected past goalkeeper Johny Placide.

The early goal settled the Tartan Army, who then sat deep and invited Haiti to come forward. Scott McTominay had earlier struck the post with a powerful long-range effort, which would have made Scotland's task easier.

Haiti's attacking forays lacked precision in the first half, despite creating opportunities through Ruben Providence and Louicius Deedson, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde tested Angus Gunn with an ambitious long-range effort that went over the bar.

After the break, Haiti returned with renewed intensity, pressing Scotland relentlessly and creating multiple chances. Providence came close from inside the box, and Wilson Isidor tested Gunn with a powerful long-range shot. The Haitian midfield repeatedly tried to unlock Scotland's defence, but their lack of clinical finishing proved decisive. Crosses went unrewarded, and Scotland's disciplined defensive approach held firm.

Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal issued yellow cards to Haiti's Bellegarde for a late challenge and Scotland's Aaron Hickey for a harsh tackle. As the match wore on, fatigue set in, and the pace dropped. Both teams made substitutions: Scotland introduced Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie, while Haiti brought on Lenny Joseph and Josue Casimir. The final exchanges remained tense but sterile, with neither side creating clear-cut chances. Scotland's defence held under sustained pressure, with Gunn barely troubled in the final quarter.

This victory marks Scotland's first World Cup win since 1998, when they last faced Brazil and Morocco, the same opponents now in their group. For Haiti, their first match since returning to the World Cup after 52 years ended in defeat, although they proved they could compete with more experienced nations. Scotland's three points put them in a strong position in Group C, while Haiti must respond immediately.