Scotland claimed their first World Cup victory in 36 years on Friday, edging past Haiti 1-0 in Boston to move to the top of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — leapfrogging both Brazil and Morocco following their 1-1 draw earlier in the evening.

It was far from a polished performance, but Steve Clarke's side will not lose any sleep over that. For a nation returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, all that mattered was the three points — and their first win at a major tournament since Euro 1996.

McGinn's deflected strike proves decisive

The match's only goal arrived midway through the first half, when John McGinn's heavily deflected effort found the back of the net after fine work in the build-up from Che Adams. Scott McTominay had already rattled the post before the opener, hinting at Scotland's intent without reward.

Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak also caught the eye with an energetic display on the right flank, earning widespread praise for his contributions both on and off the ball.

Haiti pushed hard but lacked the final touch

Haiti — appearing at a World Cup for the first time since 1974 — matched Scotland for stretches of the contest and pressed with intensity throughout. However, their end product repeatedly let them down. Too many crosses either drifted out of play or were gathered comfortably by goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

The game briefly livened up after the second-half drinks break. McGinn dragged a good chance wide at one end, before Wilson Isidor failed to connect with Ruben Providence's inviting ball across the face of goal at the other.

Frantzdy Pierrot then came agonisingly close five minutes from time, heading wide from an inch-perfect cross. That miss proved fatal for Haiti, as Scotland held on through a lengthy period of added time to secure all three points.