Scotland have triumphed against Haiti in a nail-biting clash at the country’s first game at the World Cup in 28 years.
A solitary goal from John McGinn in the first half was enough to give Scotland a win they so craved, with tough tests upcoming against Morocco and Brazil.
The three points may prove to be enough for qualification and with Brazil and Morocco unable to break each other down, Scotland knew a win would sit them atop of the table.
Tens of thousands packed the Boston Stadium as Flower of Scotland echoed through the night sky.
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
On the pitch, Scotland started well and put Haiti under pressure. The power balance of the game shifted back and forth, but eventually the opening came with a direct attack.
Ben Gannon-Doak’s pace troubled Haiti, and it was a good cross from the 20-year-old that led to McGinn latching on to a save and slicing the ball in.
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An electrifying atmosphere as Flower of Scotland is belted out by thousands at Boston Stadium
The goal, like most of the second half performance from Scotland, wasn’t pretty but it got the job done.
Haiti did threaten with a few moments that had Scotland fans hiding behind the couch, but Angus Gunn’s goal remained relatively quiet.
Getty ImagesEven Steve Clarke said post-match that it was all about three points, and it puts Scotland right where they want to be.
History made with a World Cup opening win
Scotland had only previously won two of their opening World Cup games, against Zaire in 1974 and New Zealand 5-2 in 1982.
Getty ImagesThe Scots can now add Haiti to that list. It was the lowest-scoring game of the tournament so far.
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McGinn scores winning goal
And the real tests await in Morocco, the AFCON champions, who did battle with one of the best teams in the tournament in Brazil.
That game takes place on Friday, at the same venue, the Boston Stadium and Scotland will be hoping their performance has a bit more glitz and glamour.
How are Scotland’s chances looking now?
Scotland can safely say their chances of qualification are looking better now.
With the eight best teams finishing third in the groups also qualifying for the next round, Scotland can likely afford to suffer defeat at some point in the group campaign.
No doubt Steve Clarke and his men will not be taking their “who cares” mantra seen following Sunday’s win against Haiti into the game with the Moroccans, given the tough test that awaits.
Tartan Army party continues
Getty ImagesAnd for now, the Tartan Army party at home and abroad can continue.
The people of Boston have become well acquainted with the Scots in recent days, and there will no doubt be more partying to come.
Fans in their droves packed out venues like the OVO Hydro and pubs and bars across the country.
And while there was only one goal to celebrate, Scotland became party central again.
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