Scotland celebrated their first FIFA World Cup appearance of the 21st century with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts, as a first-half goal from John McGinn proved enough to send them top of Group C.

The Scots started brightly, creating an early opening just three minutes in when Ben Gannon-Doak’s sharp run ended with a low save from Johny Placide. Haiti responded through Louicius Deedson, though his effort failed to trouble Angus Gunn, as Steve Clarke’s side then had to absorb a spell of pressure from their opponents during the opening 15 minutes.

After weathering that period, Scotland came close themselves when Scott McTominay struck a powerful first-time effort from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target on 17 minutes.

With Scotland’s long wait for a World Cup goal stretching back nearly 28 years to Craig Burley’s strike against Norway, McGinn finally ended the drought just before the half-hour mark. His deflected shot went in after Che Adams’ close-range attempt was blocked by Placide, making the Aston Villa midfielder Scotland’s oldest scorer at a World Cup finals.

The travelling Tartan Army erupted inside Gillette Stadium, and Scotland nearly doubled their advantage soon after when Lawrence Shankland headed just wide from another dangerous delivery by Gannon-Doak.

However, it was not entirely comfortable for Scotland, as they were forced into a nervy moment when Angus Gunn spilled a powerful effort from Ruben Providence, but his defenders reacted quickly to clear the danger and maintain their slender lead.

Ten minutes into the second half, Andy Robertson whipped in a dangerous cross from the left that just missed Lawrence Shankland but found Ben Gannon-Doak at the far post. However, his effort was brilliantly stopped by a vital intervention from Martin Experience.

Clear chances were limited after the break, but Scotland nearly doubled their advantage on 70 minutes when McGinn broke through for a second goal opportunity, only to drag his shot wide under pressure from Ricardo Ade.

Sébastien Migné’s side continued to threaten, with Wilson Isidor of Sunderland narrowly missing a chance to meet Ruben Providence’s cross across goal. Providence, who remained a constant threat throughout the match, later dispossessed Jack Hendry in a dangerous area but saw his shot blocked behind by Nathan Patterson for a corner that came to nothing.

Frantzdy Pierrot also came close with a glancing header that drifted just wide as Haiti pushed for a historic first World Cup point in only their second appearance at the tournament. However, Scotland stood firm to secure a vital victory—their first at a World Cup since 1990—before upcoming fixtures against Morocco and Brazil.