Scotland secured a famous 1-0 World Cup win against Haiti in Foxborough, with John McGinn's goal ending a 36-year wait for victory; Liverpool legend Andy Robertson captained the Scots
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
17:34, 14 Jun 2026Updated 17:44, 14 Jun 2026
Andy Robertson made his World Cup debut on Saturday
Andy Robertson made his World Cup debut on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)
Scotland got its World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in Foxborough.
Following an evenly-matched opening, John McGinn broke the deadlock for Scotland midway through the first half. Haiti held sway for much of the second period, yet Steve Clarke's men stood resolute to claim all three points. The Scots were captained in Foxborough by Andy Robertson, the Liverpool icon who has just completed a free transfer to Tottenham.
The triumph sees the Tartan Army perch atop their group ahead of Friday's showdown with Morocco, while also securing Scotland's first World Cup victory in 36 years.
Scotland's last World Cup goal before the win against Haiti had been a long time coming — arriving in a 1-1 draw with Norway back in 1998. But the wait for a win has been even more prolonged.
Scotland last tasted World Cup victory way back in 1990 against Sweden in Genoa. And this victory was just about merited.
Clarke's team certainly had to graft for it, with Haiti proving far from an easy opponent. However, Scotland did what was necessary, finding the net and defending stubbornly when required.
John McGinn scored Scotland's winner against Haiti
John McGinn scored Scotland's winner against Haiti(Image: Getty Images)
Some may feel underwhelmed that the margin wasn't more convincing, but given how long the nation had waited for success, few will grumble.
Reacting to the win, Robertson told BBC Scotland: "What an amazing feeling. The lads achieved their dreams today.
"It was such a long day waiting, I can't imagine what the fans back home were like staying up so late.
"The fact we managed to walk out on to the pitch and sing the national anthem together, it was so special. To then go and follow it up with a win, it doesn't get much better than that.
"Three important points. People expected us to win, but we had to go out and do it. It was so important to win that game, and I'm glad we did it.
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"The biggest thing was when we scored, we didn't look like conceding, and that has to be a credit to every single player out there that defended for their lives.
"We worked so well from a defensive point of view, and when you're 1-0 up, that's what you need.
"It's the World Cup, it's the biggest stage. People get nervous near the end, but we felt pretty relaxed on the pitch."