John McGinn delivered when it mattered most, netting the goal that secured Scotland’s first World Cup victory in 36 years as they overcame Haiti 1-0 at the Boston Stadium.The Aston Villa captain’s strike also marked Scotland’s first goal at the tournament in 28 years, ending a lengthy drought on their return to the men’s competition after more than a quarter of a century away.McGinn’s winner came via a deflected effort that found the net on the rebound following Che Adams’ initial attempt being saved.Brazil’s earlier stalemate with Morocco meant Steve Clarke’s side climbed to the summit of Group C with the narrow triumph, moving them closer to reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.Scotland’s John McGinn has scored the first World Cup goal for his nation of the 21st century | REUTERSClarke had described his decision to select McGinn ahead of Ryan Christie as “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make” in the build-up to the match.The dilemma arose from Christie’s impressive showing in last Saturday’s friendly against Bolivia, which had raised expectations among supporters for a comfortable victory.However, Scotland struggled with their passing throughout and rarely threatened to run away with the contest.Scott McTominay struck the woodwork before McGinn’s decisive intervention, while goalkeeper Angus Gunn remained alert as Haiti repeatedly delivered crosses into the penalty area.The Caribbean nation, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, demonstrated their attacking capabilities and came agonisingly close to equalising.Haiti came close to an equaliser as they took control of the match in the second half but Scotland held firm | REUTERSSubstitute Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide after McGinn had squandered a golden opportunity to settle matters with twenty minutes remaining.Clarke expressed his satisfaction with the result in his post-match interview with BBC One, telling captain Andy Robertson it was “about time we won a game in the group stage.”A goal for Scotland. A goal for ALL OF SCOTLAND! 🏴🏴🏴John McGinn fires his nation ahead against Haiti! #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2otuUub0oh— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 14, 2026 “Everyone said must win. We won the game,” the Scotland manager stated. “That’s what this team is all about. They can play, but if they have to dig in they do that as well. Defensively outstanding.”The victory positions Scotland at the top of their group, with their next fixture against Morocco in Boston on Friday 19 June.A single point from their remaining two matches would likely be sufficient to secure passage to the knockout stages, a feat Scotland have never previously achieved at a World Cup.