McGinn ends Scotland's 36-year World Cup wait with winner against Haiti in Foxborough

John McGinn’s deflected first-half finish gave Scotland a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in Foxborough on Tuesday, ending a 36-year wait for a World Cup win and placing Steve Clarke’s side top of Group C at the 2026 tournament.

The Aston Villa midfielder broke the deadlock midway through the first half after Scott McTominay struck the post and Che Adams saw a close-range effort saved. The rebound fell to McGinn, who struck cleanly, the ball finding the net via a deflection. It was Scotland’s first World Cup goal since a 1-1 draw with Norway in 1998 — and their first victory since defeating Sweden in Genoa in 1990.

The goal also carried a personal milestone: McGinn has now surpassed Kenny Dalglish as Scotland’s oldest-ever scorer at a World Cup, adding another landmark strike to a career that already includes a memorable goal in the Europa League final.

Haiti were far from overmatched. Clarke’s side had to withstand sustained pressure throughout the second half, with the Caribbean nation creating a string of chances. The most dangerous came late on, when Frantzdy Pierrot headed narrowly wide with minutes remaining. Scotland held firm, however, and the three points were secured.

The result carries significant weight for Scotland’s qualification hopes. With Brazil and Morocco still to come in Group C, Clarke’s side needed a win in their opener to give themselves a realistic chance of reaching the last 32. They have now created that breathing room, with a point from either of their remaining two fixtures potentially enough to advance — either automatically or as one of the best third-placed teams.

Some supporters may feel the margin of victory should have been greater given the opposition, but after nearly four decades without a win at the tournament, few inside the Tartan Army camp will be dwelling on that. Scotland have their win, they sit top of the group, and the campaign is alive.