Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has praised his players for their resilience after grinding out a 1-0 opening World Cup victory over Haiti in Boston.
John McGinn’s double-deflected strike after 28 minutes proved the difference, sending Scotland to the top of Group C after one game.
The result is historic, representing Scotland’s first World Cup win since they defeated Sweden at Italia 90 some 36 years ago.
Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in New Jersey, meaning Scotland sit in a strong position after the opening round of fixtures.
Clarke’s side now face Morocco at the same Foxborough stadium on Friday night, with a point enough to virtually guarantee a place in the knockout stages.
Clarke admitted his players had to dig deep throughout an increasingly anxious second half to secure the three points.
Asked how he felt after the final whistle, Clarke said: “Tired, but absolutely delighted for the players. The resilience and character says everything about this group of players.”
Clarke insisted the victory changes the dynamic heading into the next two matches, saying: “The next two games against sides in the top ten are going to be tough. Obviously we go into them under a bit less pressure than everyone put us under going into this game.”
He was clear about what improvements are needed, adding: “We need to defend as well as we did there and show the same resilience and hopefully play a little bit better with the ball and create a little bit more.”
Clarke credited Haiti for making Scotland’s task significantly harder throughout the contest, saying: “I thought Haiti were terrific at denying us that time and space tonight, which has made it a much more difficult game.”
He reflected on the broader significance of the win, saying: “It just shows how difficult it is for a country like Scotland to go to a World Cup and win games. It does not happen very often.”
Clarke was emotional speaking about what his squad has meant to Scottish football, noting: “They have been so good for the nation in the last seven years. They deserve to be the team to finally have won a game at a World Cup.”
This was also a first tournament win for Clarke personally, having failed to secure a single victory across two previous European Championship campaigns.
Clarke spoke movingly about the personal meaning of experiencing a World Cup for the first time, saying: “I’ve waited 62 years to be at a World Cup. I’ve been in football for 44 years. This for me is everything.”
He was equally passionate about the squad he manages, saying: “They’ve never let me down. They’ve had bad results, but they’ve never let me down. That’s why I can come to a tournament like this and enjoy it.”
Clarke closed by reflecting on the magnitude of the occasion, saying: “To be sitting here as the head coach of a fantastic group of players at a World Cup, it’s everything.”
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