McGinn’s first-half goal gives Scotland 1-0 win over Haiti in World Cup Group C

John McGinn’s first-half goal seals historic win as Scotland hold firm under late pressure to top Group C and revive knockout hopes in the expanded 2026 World Cup format.

John McGinn’s first-half goal seals historic win as Scotland hold firm under late pressure to top Group C and revive knockout hopes in the expanded 2026 World Cup format.

Match-winner John McGinn is optimistic Scotland can progress to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever after a 1-0 victory over Haiti.

Scotland marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Saturday, thanks to a decisive first-half strike from captain John McGinn.Playing in their first World Cup match of the 21st century, Steve Clarke's side climbed to the top of Group C after securing their first World Cup win since 1990.Bright Start For ScotlandScotland started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within three minutes when Ben Doak forced Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide into a smart low save after an incisive run. Haiti responded with a spell of pressure, but Scotland's defence remained composed as Angus Gunn was rarely troubled.The Scots came close again in the 17th minute when Scott McTominay's powerful first-time effort from the edge of the area flashed narrowly wide of the post.McGinn Breaks The DeadlockTheir persistence paid off just before the half-hour mark when McGinn finally broke the deadlock.After Placide blocked Che Adams' close-range attempt, the loose ball fell kindly for McGinn, whose deflected shot found the net to end Scotland's 28-year wait for a World Cup goal. The strike also made the Aston Villa midfielder Scotland's oldest goalscorer at a World Cup final.Roared on by a vocal travelling support, Scotland nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but Lawrence Shankland headed narrowly wide from a dangerous Doak delivery.Haiti Fight BackHaiti remained a threat and almost equalised before the break when Ruben Providence's fierce effort slipped through Gunn's grasp, although Scottish defenders reacted quickly to clear the danger.The second half produced fewer clear opportunities, with Haiti pushing forward in search of a historic first World Cup point. Providence continued to trouble Scotland's backline, while Wilson Isidor and Frantzdy Pierrot both came close to finding an equaliser.‘Like Playing In A Nightclub’: Brad Currie On Eden Gardens Atmosphere Scotland Hold On For VictoryMcGinn missed a chance to seal the contest midway through the second period, dragging his effort wide under pressure from Ricardo Ade. However, Scotland's defence stood firm during a late Haitian surge to preserve the narrow lead.The victory gives Scotland an ideal start to their campaign ahead of daunting Group C encounters against Morocco and Brazil, while Haiti are left searching for points from their remaining fixtures.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Scotland match-winner John McGinn is optimistic his team can go on to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the very first time after marking their return to the tournament following a 28-year absence with a 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday.We know the qualities they possess but we can cause them problems in the same way Haiti caused us," said McGinn of Morocco and Brazil, who drew 1-1 earlier Saturday in New Jersey.

Scotland fans in Boston overjoyed after win over Haiti in the World Cup.