Players of Scotland celebrate after the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

BOSTON, United States, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Scotland made a winning return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a 28-year absence, edging Haiti 1-0 in their Group C match on Saturday.

In a game that also marked the Caribbean side's first appearance at the finals in 52 years, Scotland opened the scoring in the 28th minute thanks to John McGinn's deflected effort. After Che Adams' shot from close range was blocked by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, McGinn pounced on the rebound and drove a powerful shot that took a touch off Haiti's Jean-Ricner Bellegarde into the net.

Scotland's Scott McTominay saw his effort hit the post in the 17th minute.

Haiti almost drew level in the 34th minute, but Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn made a double save to deny Ruben Providence and Frantzdy Pierrot.

McGinn came close to doubling the lead in the 73rd minute, but his shot curled just wide of the far post. Haiti immediately launched a counter-attack, only for Providence to drag his effort off target.

Haiti continued to press for a late equalizer, and Pierrot had another chance in the 85th minute, but his powerful header sailed wide as Scotland held firm to secure all three points. ■

Grant Hanley (R) of Scotland celebrates after the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Angus Gunn (front), goalkeeper of Scotland, waves his hands after the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of Scotland line up before the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of Scotland sing the national anthem before the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Players of Haiti line up before the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Frantzdy Pierrot (L) of Haiti vies with Lewis Ferguson (C) of Scotland during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

Fans are seen before the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Fans are seen before the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Ben Gannon-Doak (L) of Scotland vies with Martin Experience of Haiti during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

John McGinn(3rd L) of Scotland competes during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Louicius Deedson (L) of Haiti breaks through during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Ricardo Ade (R) of Haiti and Che Adams of Scotland fight for a head ball during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

John McGinn (R) of Scotland vies with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde of Haiti during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

John McGinn (R) of Scotland celebrates his goal during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Frantzdy Pierrot (2nd L) of Haiti heads for the ball during the group C match between Haiti and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in Boston, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)