McGinn 'beaming with pride' - and hopes kids around Scotland are too — Sport

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'Off and running' - McGinn gives Scotland lead against Haiti

Published 14 June 2026, 04:40 BST

Scotland's John McGinn has described his "scuffed" goal that secured victory over Haiti in their World Cup opener as something that left him "beaming with pride" - and he hopes children across the nation feel exactly the same when they wake up.

The Aston Villa midfielder's deflected first-half strike gave Scotland their first World Cup win since 1990 at their first finals appearance since 1998.

They now sit at the top of Group C as they look to reach the knockout rounds for the first time ever, despite a tense second half in which Haiti came close to equalising.

"It wasn't my finest goal but who cares? It's been a long time coming," McGinn told BBC Sport. "I scuffed it a little bit.

"Haiti are a decent side, by the way. We had to put in a lot of effort. Could we have played better? Yes. But it was a must-win game and we won. I'm absolutely delighted."

Scotland still have matches against Morocco and Brazil - two teams with the potential to go deep in the World Cup - on Friday 19 June and Wednesday 24 June respectively.

Steve Clarke and his squad know they will need to raise their level, but McGinn says they will savour this victory on their return to the sport's biggest stage.

"We've endured a lot of pain as a nation," he said.

"A whole generation of fans haven't witnessed this. But the pride on my face this morning seeing all the kids heading to the parks in a Scotland shirt and with painted faces.

"Hopefully when children get up tomorrow they'll be beaming with pride because I am. It sets things up nicely for Friday [against Morocco]."

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'Over the moon' - McGinn reacts to Scotland victory

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'My boys are alright'

After back-to-back European Championship appearances without a win, Scotland entered their World Cup opener as favourites.

Following impressive warm-up victories over Curacao and Bolivia - with eight goals scored - expectations were high for the Scots' return to the global tournament.

They were far from their fluid best in attack, but head coach Clarke praised his team's resilience as they kept Haiti at a distance in Foxborough.

"I just said to [captain] Andy Robertson there, it's about time we won a match in the group stage," Clarke said. "Everybody said must win... we won.

"That's what this squad is all about. They can play, but if they need to dig deep they do that too. Defensively superb."

After such a tense contest, the large Scottish contingent at Boston Stadium celebrated wildly at the final whistle, having witnessed their country's fifth ever victory at a World Cup finals and only their fourth clean sheet.

"The supporters were incredible at the end," Clarke added. "It was a great night for the fans and my boys are alright."

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It was a must win game and we won it - Clarke reacts to Scotland victory