Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in the group stage, Group C

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama on 14 June as Haiti travelled to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts to face Scotland in the group stage, Group C. Both teams entered the match looking to secure early points in a tightly contested group, and the New England venue provided a vibrant backdrop for the encounter.

How it unfolded

Scotland took the initiative early in the second half. In the 28th minute, midfielder John McGinn produced a decisive left-footed shot from the centre of the box, sending the ball to the high centre of the net and giving Scotland a 1-0 lead. The goal shifted the momentum, forcing Haiti to chase the game for the remaining minutes.

Four minutes later, the first booking of the match was issued. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde of Haiti received a yellow card in the 39th minute for a bad foul, a reminder of the growing tension as Haiti sought an equaliser.

The second half began with Scotland already ahead, and the referee cautioned Aaron Hickey of Scotland in the 46th minute for a bad foul, the first booking for the visitors.

As the clock wound down, the game saw a flurry of disciplinary action in injury time. Findlay Curtis was shown a yellow card in the first minute of added time (90'+1') for a bad foul, followed shortly by Kenny McLean, who received a similar caution in the fifth minute of added time (90'+5'). These late bookings underscored the intensity of a match that remained tightly contested despite the solitary goal.

Scotland held on to their narrow lead until the final whistle, securing a 1-0 victory without the need for extra time or penalties.

Standout performers

  • John McGinn (Scotland) – The midfielder’s 28th-minute strike was the match-winning goal and the decisive moment of the encounter.

Match facts

  • Final score: Haiti 0-1 Scotland
  • Scorer: John McGinn (28')
  • Yellow cards:
    • Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Haiti) – 39'
    • Aaron Hickey (Scotland) – 46'
    • Findlay Curtis (Scotland) – 90'+1'
    • Kenny McLean (Scotland) – 90'+5'
  • Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

What it means

The result leaves both Haiti and Scotland with a point to build on as they continue their World Cup 2026 Group C campaigns, each aiming to secure the points needed to advance to the knockout phase.