Scotland began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a vital win against Haiti that leaves them top of Group C after Brazil’s draw with Morocco on Saturday night.
Steve Clarke’s side made a shaky start in Foxborough but while Haiti threatened early, it was Scotland who struck the first blow, with John McGinn bundling in after great work from both Ben Gannon-Doak and Che Adams.
Both sides had chances in an end-to-end second half – with Frantzdy Pierrot heading narrowly wide and Scotland wasting some promising openings – but in the end McGinn’s goal sealed a close contest to give the Scots the three points.
With the top eight best-performing third-placed sides going through to the round of 32 this summer, a win was vital for a Scotland side looking to make the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time, and they’re off to a good start as they bid to make history in North America.
Here’s how the players rated on a famous night for Scottish football:
Angus Gunn, 6 – Made an unconvincing stop when tested in the first half, but did what was asked of him overall.
Aaron Hickey, 6 – Looked shaky in the first half up against Ruben Providence, though cleared well from a promising chance late on. Sharpened up in the second half and could have had an assist if McGinn had done better.
Jack Hendry, 7 – Was solid throughout and like Hanley was not under too stern a test, though won his duels when he needed to.
Grant Hanley, 7 – Was put under pressure early on as his team made a shaky start, but never looked too troubled and made a great block late on to stop a dangerous counter-attack. Played the ball over the top that led to the only goal of the game.
Andy Robertson, 6 – Constantly offered an outlet and helped to keep the width when McGinn drifted inside. Was rarely threatened in defence though could have offered more in attack.
Ben Gannon-Doak, 8 – Lively early on, and almost got an assist as McTominay crashed an effort against the post. Created the opener – with the help of a lovely touch and run from Adams – by beating his man and firing in a great low cross. Offered a constant threat down the right, and was probably Scotland’s man of the match.
Lewis Ferguson, 7 – Was reliable throughout and tidy on the ball, and kept it ticking in midfield. Rarely gave away possession on a night where some of his teammates were sloppy at times.
Scott McTominay, 6 – Grew into the game but wasn’t as influential as he usually is. Probably should have scored but hit the post with the first real chance of the game.
John McGinn, 7 – Scored the opening goal with a slice of fortune, but was as industrious as ever. Won free-kicks, caused problems with his runs and offered an outlet on the wing. Should have done better with a late chance and some loose passes followed as he tired, but he remains Mr. Dependable.
Che Adams, 6 – Helped create the opener with a superb touch and was unlucky not to score it himself as the ‘keeper made a great save. Did not manage much else before coming off but delivered when it mattered.
Lawrence Shankland, 5 – A few loose touches early on and never really got into the game before being subbed off. Perhaps one of those who will lose his place for the game against Morocco.
Subs: Ryan Christie – 6, Lyndon Dykes – 6, Nathan Patterson– 6, Kenny McLean – 5, Findlay Curtis – 6
