Haiti 0-1 Scotland: 36 Years of Waiting, McGinn Sets the Tartan Army Free

Thirty-six years of waiting, wiped out by a single deflected strike. In Boston, Scotland launched their 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Haiti, courtesy of John McGinn, sealing their first victory in the competition since 1990. A crucial result that lifts Steve Clarke's men to the top of Group C, helped by the draw between Brazil and Morocco earlier in the day.

McGinn delivers a jittery but efficient Scotland

Back in the competition for the first time since 1998, Scotland had to wrestle with their nerves against a lively Haiti. Scott McTominay first struck the post, before the breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. From a save by Johny Placide parrying a shot from Che Adams, the ball fell back to John McGinn, whose effort, deflected by a defender, ended up in the back of the net.

The rest of the match was a matter of composure. Haiti, the second lowest-ranked nation in the tournament, defied their billing by carrying a threat in spells. But Scotland clung to their slender lead right to the end.

A simple instruction and a clear favourite

On paper, Scotland went in as heavy favourites against a Haiti returning to the top level for the first time since 1974. Steve Clarke's pre-match instruction to his players boiled down to a very Scottish phrase: don't get humped, in other words, don't get taken apart. Mission accomplished, even if the manner left something to be desired.

Because beyond the result, Scotland know it is all still to play for. Control was lacking, and they will have to step it up, with opponents far tougher than Haiti waiting around the corner.

Clarke's relief, the wait drags on for Haiti

At the final whistle, Steve Clarke savoured a win a generation in the making, while playing down the pressure weighing on his side. For Haiti, the wait goes on: the Caribbean side are still chasing their first World Cup point, but they leave with the pride of having refused the role of mere makeweights.

They deserve to be the team that finally got their World Cup up and running.
Steve Clarke · Scotland head coach

Scotland on top, the summit still to come

The win puts Scotland provisionally top of Group C, ahead of Brazil and Morocco on goal difference. But the climb gets steeper: the Scots face Morocco on Friday 19 June at Gillette Stadium, while Haiti take on Brazil the same day in Philadelphia.

Scotland walk away with three points and a page of history turned; Haiti, with the pride of having stood firm and the desire to finally write their own. For the Tartan Army, the hard part is only just beginning.