It was an eventful night for Scottish and English players on Saturday as the Tartan Army claimed their first World Cup victory in 36 years as the Three Lions faced another storm.
Commentators baffled by harsh offside call in Qatar vs Switzerland (Image: ITV)
Scotland got off to a winning start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Haiti thanks to a first-half goal from John McGinn. The Tartan Army rose to the top of Group C after winning their first World Cup in 36 years, with Aston Villa’s star breaking records.
The Scots shook off some early nerves before the side, ranked 83rd in the world by FIFA, began to build into the match as Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay pressed on with a thunderous goal from the Napoli star that rattled the post. Angus Gunn didn’t blush when he fumbled a shot before Grant Hanley’s outstretched leg thwarted Sunderland striker Wilson Isidore.
Boston is hosting Scotland’s first World Cup match since 1998, but all eyes have been on the opening game against Haiti since McTominay’s iconic overhead kick in November. The pressure, anxiety and anxiety would have been palpable as preparations for the tournament drew closer and closer, but it eased when the 31-year-old’s strike deflected home.
Che Adams combined with winger Gannon Doak to make a good save in the build-up, but Haiti captain Johnny Placido denied the forward’s attack at close range. But moments later, he picked the ball up from behind the net after McGinn’s shot on the ground went off target.
At 31 years, 238 days old, the Villa captain became Scotland’s oldest scorer at a World Cup, surpassing the great Sir Kenny Dalglish (31 years, 103 days old), who had held the record since 1982 against New Zealand.
Unable to hide his pride, McGinn spoke patriotically about seeing fans and Scottish children decked out in the famous colors at local parks across Massachusetts in the lead-up to the game.
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“It wasn’t my best goal, but it doesn’t matter. Look at this guy, it’s just unbelievable. Haiti is a good team. They played New Zealand and Peru off the pitch. It was a must-win game and we won.”
Two people charged with robbery in England
England’s preparations for this World Cup have not been easy. Tropical thunderstorms in Florida delayed the final warm-up game against Costa Rica by an hour, and the Three Lions’ uniforms and equipment were stolen just as they arrived in Kansas City.
Two men have been charged with receiving stolen goods in connection with uniforms and equipment stolen from England.
Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal are each charged with one Class D felony under Missouri law.
England have had an eventful few days (Image: Getty Images)
The stolen property was found to be worth around $18,000 (£13,000). “Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity targeting World Cup attendees, including international teams visiting our area to compete,” said Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
“We are grateful to the Kansas City Police Department and the on-duty attorney for their swift investigation and immediate charges. Our office is committed to holding these individuals accountable.”
It was later claimed that the items recovered included four pairs of boots valued at £250 each and five pairs of shoes valued at $1,139.50.
England players advised to evacuate
England’s players were told to shelter in place after a tornado warning was issued for Kansas City. During the exchange between Scotland and Haiti, a warning was sent out to local residents in the area, where winds were blowing at 130mph, highlighting the debris threat.
The severe thunderstorm warning, which was issued around 8 p.m., was upgraded to a tornado warning about 30 minutes later. Conditions were severe enough to leave local residents without power, but the worst of the weather is said to have passed by Saturday evening, in time for England to prepare for Sunday.
Local reporters took to social media to reveal the latest instance of severe weather affecting the US Three Lions. For those watching Scotland’s team-mates play against Haiti, Fox’s coverage of the game had the game squeezed into a small panel on the screen due to an emergency weather notice in place.
FIFA issues statement following VAR controversy
FIFA has admitted that there was a technical flaw in VAR that led to Switzerland’s controversial opener against Qatar being conceded. The governing body issued a statement confirming that Remo Freuler, who was initially in an offside position, was fouled by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada due to a technical breakdown.
Briel Embolo came forward and converted a penalty, and Switzerland were on the verge of victory, but in stoppage time they allowed Boualem Kuki to equalize.
“During the match between Qatar and Switzerland in the San Francisco Bay Area, a brief technical failure prevented the onside animated graphics from being generated before Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute. The issue was quickly resolved,” FIFA said in a statement.
Switzerland’s goal against Qatar was conceded (Image: ITV)
“VAR’s workflow was not affected by this issue and it followed its normal procedure for checking decisions on the field.
“The lines used by VAR to check the position of the players involved did not indicate that the attacking players were in an offside position in either of the two situations immediately preceding the penalty decision.”
Brazil
Brazil remained unbeaten in their opening World Cup since 1934 thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s incredible goal.
But manager Carlo Ancelotti will be grateful to Real Madrid for not having to face Africa Cup of Nations holders Morocco. Lions de Latras prevailed in an early battle with the record holders, with Ismael Saibari scoring a well-deserved goal.
Brahim Dias penetrated the Brazilian defense with a pass and the PSV Eindhoven striker lofted the ball over the stranded Alisson Becker.
Vinicius Jr. cut past Achraf Hakimi to the left and slotted home the equalizer. Scotland narrowly defeated Haiti 1-1 and moved into first place in the group.
But it was a particularly difficult afternoon for former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. Brazil’s midfield looked sluggish and, after praising the 18-year-old’s performance, he was overwhelmed by Morocco’s midfield, particularly Ayyoub Bouadi.
Casemiro in particular was lackluster in possession, winning just two of eight ground games, and his overall play in the engine room hampered Ancelotti’s side. A yellow card in the first half made the game even more difficult for New York, and by halftime they were hooked.
