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John McGinn named Man of the Match after ending Scotland’s 28-year World Cup goal drought against Haiti
The Aston Villa midfielder scored the only goal in Scotland's 1-0 World Cup opener, marking the nation's first World Cup goal since 1998
John McGinn did something no Scottish footballer has managed in nearly three decades. He put the ball in the back of the net at a FIFA World Cup.
The Aston Villa midfielder and Scotland captain scored in the 28th minute to seal a 1-0 victory over Haiti on June 13, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The goal ended a 28-year scoring drought for Scotland at football’s biggest tournament, stretching all the way back to the 1998 World Cup in France.
McGinn was named Man of the Match for his performance.
A drought measured in decades
Scotland’s Group C draw includes Morocco and Brazil as the other teams, meaning this victory over Haiti was arguably the most winnable fixture on Scotland’s schedule.
What it means for Scotland’s World Cup campaign
With Morocco and Brazil still to play, Scotland’s path to the knockout rounds likely requires something from at least one of those matches. The three points against Haiti provide a cushion, meaning a draw against either of the group’s heavyweights could be enough to advance.
Morocco reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Tartan Army, Scotland’s famously passionate traveling support, showed up in force at Gillette Stadium, with thousands of Scottish fans celebrating a goal that ended a 28-year drought.