Scotland were the superior side from the first whistle at a sun-drenched Gillette Stadium, deploying a high press that suffocated Haiti's attempts to build from the back. McTominay was imperious in the air and on the ball, opening the scoring with a classic central-midfielder's header from Robertson's perfectly-weighted left-wing cross. Haiti, to their enormous credit, refused to wilt. Bellegarde — the most technically gifted player on the pitch — threaded a defence-splitting pass in behind Scotland's aggressive defensive line midway through the second half, and Wilson Isidor finished calmly past Craig Gordon to send the Haitian contingent in the stands into raptures. It was a historic moment: Haiti's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup finals. The equaliser threatened to unsettle Scotland, but McTominay's composure in the 76th minute — collecting the ball on the edge of the area and rolling it into the path of Ché Adams — restored the Scots' lead. Adams tucked it away with the confidence of a striker in form. Haiti pushed for a second equaliser but lacked the cutting edge to truly test Gordon again. Scotland hold on for a vital three points to open Group C.

• Scotland dominated possession (62%) and created 2.34 xG — their highest in a group opener since 2022.
• McTominay's towering header from Robertson's cross was the tournament's first goal at Gillette Stadium.
• Haiti's equaliser came against the run of play — Bellegarde's incisive through-ball split Scotland's high line.
• Wilson Isidor's goal was Haiti's first World Cup finals goal in the nation's history.
• Scotland's press averaged 8.3 PPDA in the first half, suffocating Haiti's build-up play.
• Ché Adams converted from close range after McTominay's lay-off — his 4th goal in his last 5 Scotland appearances.