7M - Haiti 0-1 Scotland: McGinn's Early Strike Guides Edgy Scotland to Narrow Opening Victory Over Haiti

Scotland kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought and tense 1-0 victory over tournament debutants Haiti, surviving a major second-half scare to claim maximum points in their Group C opener in North America.

The Tartan Army enjoyed a dream start, finding the net inside the opening six minutes of play. Talismanic skipper John McGinn timing was perfect as he drifted into the penalty area to meet a well-placed cross, calmly guiding his effort past the Haitian goalkeeper to put the Europeans ahead. However, instead of collapsing, the Caribbean outfit responded with tremendous physicality and discipline, limiting the impact of Scotland's livewire winger Ben Doak and keeping themselves firmly in the contest.

Despite prolonged periods of pressure from a resilient Haiti side late in the game, Steve Clarke's men successfully held onto their slender advantage until the final whistle. The vital three points catapult Scotland to the top of Group C, ahead of heavyweights Brazil and Morocco who played out a draw earlier in the weekend. While the victory provides a massive qualification platform, Scotland will need to significantly sharpen their clinical edge ahead of a crunch encounter with Morocco in Foxborough.