2026 World Cup: Scotland holds off Haiti for 1-0 victory in triumphant return to the tournament

You heard it here first: Scotland is at the top of Group C.

After a lengthy drought, Scotland returned to the World Cup in triumphant fashion, opening the group stage with a 1-0 win over Haiti. A 28th-minute goal was all that Scotland ended up needing for the victory, as the win came despite Haiti’s desperate pushes to get an equalizer.

Haitian and Scottish fans filled the stands at Gillette Stadium, excited for the chance to watch their teams return to the tournament for the first time in decades. And just after the first half hydration break, Scotland was able to break through for a goal, as John McGinn hit a beautiful shot into the back of the net off the rebound.

Haiti, meanwhile, had some really excellent movement on offense, but simply couldn’t figure out how to get that last little connection to send the ball into the net. Even with all of the beautiful crosses or well-placed balls, none of Haiti’s players was quite able to finish the job. The team ended the loss with 13 shots and three offsides call in what was clearly a frustratingly fruitless match for the Grenadiers.

It’s been a long, long road back to the World Cup for both teams. Scotland’s last appearance in the tournament was back in 1998, with the 28-year drought coming thanks to the incredibly competitive UEFA field.

Haiti’s drought, meanwhile, is nearly twice as long: The Grenadiers last appeared all the way back in the 1974 World Cup, one of two teams returning to the tournament after a five decade-long wait. Saturday’s loss is not quite the way Haiti wanted to return after 52 years away, but the team’s talent was clear even as the final whistle blew.

For Scotland, the win gives them a big boost in a competitive Group C. And with Brazil and Morocco ending in a draw earlier on Saturday, it also puts Scotland first in the group, with the only win of the group and three points to show for it.

Next up, Scotland will face Morocco and Haiti will face Brazil for the second game of the group stage. Both teams certainly have the ability to stun either of those teams, but it would be a major upset.