VAR controversy has already sparked in the World Cup as FIFA confirmed an error (Image: Getty)
Scotland began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with victory as John McGinn’s first-half goal proved sufficient to overcome Haiti. The Tartan Army sit atop Group C following their first World Cup triumph in 36 years, with the Aston Villa midfielder making history in the process.
The Scots dispelled any initial anxiety as Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay threatened early on, with the Napoli star striking the woodwork with a powerful effort before the 83rd-ranked nation in the world gradually found their footing. Angus Gunn was fortunate after spilling a shot, while Grant Hanley’s outstretched leg thwarted Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor. Boston hosted Scotland’s first fixture at a World Cup since 1998 and following McTominay’s memorable overhead kick in November, attention had been focused squarely on the opening encounter against the Haitians.
The tension, anxiety and nervousness would have been tangible as the tournament drew nearer, but that eased when the 31-year-old’s strike took a deflection and found the net. Che Adams saw his attempt saved in the build-up after linking up with winger Gannon-Doak, but Haiti captain Johny Placide denied the forward from close range. However, moments later, he was retrieving the ball from his net after McGinn’s effort into the turf was redirected goalward.
The Villa skipper, who became Scotland’s oldest scorer at a World Cup at 31 years, 238 days, surpassing the legendary Sir Kenny Dalglish (31 years and 103 days), who had held the record since netting against New Zealand in 1982. McGinn made no attempt to conceal his pride, speaking passionately about witnessing fans and Scottish youngsters sporting the famous colours in local parks across Massachusetts in the days leading up to the match.
He said: “It wasn’t my best of goals, who cares. Look at this man, absolutely unbelievable. Haiti are a good team, they played New Zealand and Peru off the pitch, it was a must-win game and we won.”
John McGinn was the hero for Scotland. (Image: Getty)
Two charged over England robbery
England’s preparations for this World Cup have been anything but straightforward. A tropical Florida thunderstorm delayed their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica by an hour, then upon touching down in Kansas City, the Three Lions’ kit and equipment was allegedly stolen.
Two men have since been charged with receiving stolen property in connection with the theft of England’s kit and equipment. Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal each face one count of the Class D felony under Missouri law.
It has emerged that the allegedly stolen property was valued at approximately $18,000 (£13k). Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said: “Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have travelled here to compete.
“We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our on-call attorneys for their quick work investigating this incident and filing charges immediately. Our office is committed to holding these individuals accountable.” It subsequently emerged that the recovered items included four pairs of boots valued at £250 each, along with five pairs of shoes totalling $1,139.50.
England players urged to seek shelter
England’s players were instructed to take cover indoors after a tornado warning was issued in Kansas City. During the match between Scotland and Haiti, alerts were dispatched to residents in the area warning of winds reaching up to 80 miles an hour, with the danger of flying debris also highlighted.
The severe thunderstorm warning, issued at around 8pm, was upgraded to a ‘Tornado Watch’ approximately 30 minutes later. Conditions were so treacherous that local residents were left without power, though the worst of the weather was reported to have passed by Saturday evening, leaving England’s preparations on Sunday unaffected.
Journalists on the ground took to social media to document the latest bout of adverse weather to disrupt the Three Lions on American soil. For those tuning in to watch their Scottish counterparts take on Haiti, Fox’s broadcast was interrupted as the match was reduced to a small panel on screen while an urgent weather alert was displayed
England are stepping up preparations to face Croatia in their group opener. (Image: Getty)
FIFA release statement after VAR controversy
FIFA have confirmed that VAR experienced a technical malfunction which permitted Switzerland’s contentious opening goal against Qatar. The governing body issued a statement acknowledging that the technology malfunctioned, consequently failing to detect Remo Freuler, who was initially in an offside position, being brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
Breel Embolo stepped forward and dispatched the spot kick, putting the Swiss on course for victory until they surrendered a stoppage-time equaliser to Boualem Khoukhi. In a statement, FIFA said: “During the Qatar vs. Switzerland match in the San Francisco Bay Area, a brief technical outage prevented the onside animation graphic from being generated ahead of the penalty awarded to Switzerland in the 14th minute. The issue was quickly resolved.
“The workflow of the VAR was not affected by this issue and followed the normal procedure in checking The lines used by the VAR to check the position of the relevant players did not show the attacking player to be in an offside position in either of the two situations immediately before the penalty decision.”
Brazil survive scare as Casemiro hooked
Brazil maintained their record of remaining unbeaten in an opening World Cup fixture since 1934 courtesy of a stunning strike from Vinicius Jr. But Carlo Ancelotti will have the Real Madrid contingent to thank for salvaging their dignity against the Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco. The Lions de l’Atlas controlled the opening stages against the record holders and secured their well-earned goal through Ismael Saibari.
Brahim Diaz sliced open the Brazil defence with a pass before the PSV Eindhoven striker chipped the ball over a stranded Alisson Becker. Vinicius Jr skipped past Achraf Hakimi before cutting inside onto his left and drilling home the equaliser. It finished 1-1 with Scotland’s slender victory over Haiti propelling them to the summit of the group.
However, it proved a particularly humbling afternoon for former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. Brazil’s midfield appeared lethargic and was overwhelmed by the Moroccan midfield, particularly Ayyoub Bouaddi, after the 18-year-old garnered praise for his performance.
Casemiro, specifically, was ineffective in possession, winning merely two of his eight ground duels, while his overall contribution in the engine room hindered Ancelotti’s side. A first-half yellow card compounded a troublesome outing in New York and he was withdrawn at half-time.