Foxborough, Massachusetts: Scotland opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Haiti in a tightly contested Group C match at a packed stadium in Foxborough.
The match’s decisive moment came in the 29th minute when John McGinn scored the only goal of the game, converting a well-placed ball delivered into the penalty area by Ben Gannon-Doak. McGinn controlled the high delivery and finished calmly to put Scotland ahead, a lead they managed to defend until the final whistle.
Chances were limited in a game defined by physical intensity and disciplined defending from both sides. Scotland’s Scott McTominay missed an early opportunity in the 7th minute when he failed to direct a header on target from close range, wasting a chance to give his side an early advantage.
Haiti, known for their energetic and resilient style of play, responded strongly and applied consistent pressure throughout the first half. After the drinks break due to high temperatures, they created several attacking opportunities, but could not find the finishing touch to beat the Scottish defence.
In the second half, both teams pushed forward in search of goals, but neither side was able to convert their chances. McGinn also had an opportunity to double Scotland’s lead, but his attempt under pressure went off target. Haiti came close to equalising late in the match, with Frantz Pierrot narrowly missing a header from a cross on the right flank.
Despite late pressure from Haiti, Scotland held firm defensively to secure all three points, a result that takes them to the top of Group C after their opening fixture.
