Scotland win World Cup match after 36 years

Darwin, 14 June : Scotland began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory over Haiti in Group C, with John McGinn scoring the decisive goal. This marks Scotland’s first World Cup win in 36 years.

Scotland last won a World Cup match in 1990, when they defeated Sweden 2–1. After a long 36-year wait on the global stage, the Scots have finally returned to winning ways at the tournament.

The match, played in Boston early on Sunday morning (June 14), saw Scotland start brightly. However, it took them 28 minutes to break the deadlock, when McGinn scored to put his team ahead and etch his name into the history books.

McGinn also became the first Scottish player in 28 years to score in a World Cup match.

Scotland were eliminated from the group stage in the 1998 World Cup and failed to win a match in that tournament. After 28 years away from the World Cup, they have now returned with a winning start.

Leading 1–0 at halftime, Scotland faced strong pressure from Haiti in the second half, as Haiti pushed hard for an equaliser. However, Scotland’s defence stood firm, with the attacking efforts of Isidor and Pierrot unable to break through.

With this victory, Scotland moved to the top of Group C. In the group’s other match, Brazil and Morocco drew 1–1, placing Morocco second and Brazil third. Haiti remain bottom without any points.

Scotland will next face Morocco, while Haiti will take on Brazil.