Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 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 took a deflection 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 rasping drive from distance, a moment that could have made Scotland's task easier.
Haiti's attacking forays lacked precision in the opening 45 minutes despite creating opportunities through Ruben Providence and Louicius Deedson, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde tested Angus Gunn with an ambitious long-range effort that sailed high over the bar.
Les Grenadiers returned with renewed intensity after the break, pressing Scotland relentlessly and creating multiple chances. Providence came close with shots from inside the box, while Wilson Isidor tested Gunn with a powerful effort from distance.
The Haitian midfield tried repeatedly to unlock the Scottish defence, with Bellegarde firing from the edge of the area and Isidor's movements creating space in dangerous areas. However, their lack of clinical finishing proved decisive, chances were squandered, crosses went unrewarded, and Scotland's disciplined defensive approach kept them at bay.
Historic win for the Scots
Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal ran a tight ship, issuing 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 crept in and the pace dropped noticeably. Both teams made substitutions in search of fresh impetus, Scotland introducing Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie, while Les Grenadiers brought on Lenny Joseph and Josue Casimir. The final exchanges remained tense but ultimately sterile, with neither side managing to create clear-cut opportunities. Scotland's defence held firm under sustained pressure, with Gunn barely troubled in the final quarter.
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The victory marks Scotland's first World Cup win since 1998, when they last faced Brazil and Morocco, the same opponents that are now in their group. For Haiti, their first match since returning to the World Cup after 52 years ended in defeat, though they proved they can compete with more experienced nations. Scotland's three points put them in a strong position in Group C, while Haiti must respond immediately.
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