Scotland got the World Cup party started with their first win at the tournament since 1990 – but were made to work hard for the three points against a determined Haiti.
The Boston Stadium in Foxboro was packed with tens of thousands of blue and coral pink jerseys as the Tartan takeover in the USA hit the big stage.
A first-half deflected goal from John McGinn is enough to secure victory, but Haiti gave as good as they got and could feel they came away from the Group C opener with less than they deserved.
Getty Images
Steve Clarke made one change from the starting XI that blew away Bolivia in New Jersey seven days earlier, as McGinn replaced Ryan Christie in midfield.
Scotland registered the first shot on target when Ben Gannon-Doak forced a comfortable save out of Haiti captain and goalkeeper Johny Placide.
The Caribbean side replied with three efforts that flew well off target as both sides looked to figure each other out in the late-night heat of Boston Stadium.
Scotland fashioned a huge chance in the 17th minute when Gannon-Doak pulled the ball back to Scott McTominay but his well struck effort hit the post and flew to safety.
Getty ImagesThe game has failed to burst into life as the players took their drinks break midway through the first half, but the Scots soon put paid to that.
Gannon-Doak again worried Haiti down the right wing and his low cross was deflected back to McGinn inside the penalty area with 27 minutes gone.
The Aston Villa skipper failed to connect properly with his left footed shot but a stray Haitian leg deflected the ball beyond Placide into the net. Scotland had World Cup lift off as tens of thousands of the Tartan Army partied in the stands.
Haiti went on the attack to get back into the game and tricky winger Ruben Providence cut inside from the left to pull a good save out of Angus Gunn, with the ball eventually bouncing away from danger.
The Haitians were threatening on the counter attack and it took smart defending by Aaron Hickey to deny them a clear sight of goal in the 37th minute after a lightning break from their own half.
Group C
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 | W |
| Morocco | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | D |
| Brazil | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | D |
| Haiti | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | L |
Updated 14 Jun 2026, 04:03
The teams entered the second half in much the same fashion with Scotland labouring to create many chances and Haiti looking effective in transitions. A fussy performance from Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal did not help the spectacle either.
A big chance fell to McGinn in the 73rd minute but he snatched his effort wide under pressure. Haiti immediately fashioned one of their own as Wilson Isidor came inches away from sliding to connect with a wicked inswinging delivery.
Haiti were upping the ante in pursuit of an equaliser and their passionate support was urging them on as they put the Scots under severe pressure entering the final ten minutes.
The big moment to earn a draw fell to Frantzdy Pierrot with five minutes of regulation time remaining. The striker to rose to meet a cross from the right but saw it land just inches wide of Gunn’s left post.
Scotland saw out the six minutes of added time to seal a vital win – one that sees them top Group C after the opening games saw Brazil and Morocco draw 1-1 in New Jersey.
The party carries on in Boston this week as Steve Clarke’s side looks ahead to facing the Moroccans in Foxboro next Friday.
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