World Cup 2026: Scotland lead Haiti 1-0 at half-time

Scotland went into the break with a 1-0 lead over Haiti after a dominant performance in the first half in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

Scotland looked like a better side in the first half, dominating the possession, and they managed two shots on target from seven attempts, while Haiti had just one effort on target from eight.

John McGinn scored an all-important goal for Scotland in the 28th minute. Che Adams was denied by an excellent close-range save, but the former was there to guide in a scabby rebound via a deflection.

McGinn's goal was the difference in the very even World Cup opener between the two teams.

Scotland are making a comeback to World Cup action after a long wait of 28 years since the last time they played in the elite football tournament in France in 1998. They were also placed in a group with Brazil and Morocco back then.

With Haiti among the lowest-ranked teams in the competition, Scotland would be under pressure to secure all three points, which could play an important role in the race for the best third-place spot. 

Haiti starting XI

Johny Placide (c); Martin Expérience, Hannes Delcroix, Ricardo Adé, Carlens Arcus; Ruben Providence, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques, Leverton Deedson; Wilson Isidor, Frantzdy Pierrot.

Scotland starting XI

Angus Gunn; Andy Robertson (c), Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley, Aaron Hickey; John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, Ben Gannon-Doak; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland.