Scotland captain John McGinn has admitted his opening goal against Haiti was far from perfect, but insists the result means everything to a nation starved of World Cup success.
The Aston Villa midfielder’s deflected first-half effort secured a 2026 World Cup victory for Scotland, their first at a finals since defeating Norway back in 1990.
Scotland had not appeared at a World Cup since France 1998, making the win in Foxborough all the more significant for players and supporters alike.
McGinn was typically self-deprecating about the goal itself, acknowledging it lacked the quality one might expect from a landmark moment in Scottish football history.
“It wasn’t my best of goals but who cares? It’s been a long time coming,” McGinn told BBC Sport. “I scuffed it a wee bit.”
The midfielder was quick to credit Haiti, noting the Caribbean side made Scotland work extremely hard for their slender victory throughout a nervy second half.
“Haiti are a decent team by the way. We had to work hard for it. Could we play a bit better? Aye. But it was a must-win game and we won. I’m absolutely over the moon.”
McGinn also reflected on what the victory means to supporters across Scotland, particularly the younger generation who have never witnessed their nation competing on football’s biggest stage.
“We’ve been through a lot of hurt as a country,” he said. “A generation of supporters haven’t seen this. But the pride on my face this morning seeing all the kids going to the parks in a Scotland kit and painting their faces.”
“Hopefully when kids get up tomorrow they’ll be beaming with pride because I am. It sets things up for Friday [against Morocco].”
Head coach Steve Clarke echoed the sentiment of pride and relief, highlighting Scotland’s defensive resilience as a key factor in grinding out the result at Boston Stadium.
“Just said to [captain] Andy Robertson there, it’s about time we won a game in the group stage,” Clarke said. “Everyone said must win… we won.”
Clarke praised the character shown by his squad, insisting this group are capable of both playing attractive football and digging in when circumstances demand it.
“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 Scotland manager added.
Scotland now sit top of Group C, with tougher tests against Morocco and Brazil still to come on 19 June and 24 June respectively, as they target a historic first knockout stage appearance.
“The supporters were unbelievable at the end,” Clarke said. “It was a good night for the fans and my boys are alright.”
