The 2026 World Cup delivered drama on Saturday June 13 as Scotland ended a 36-year wait for victory, Brazil were held by Morocco, and Australia stunned Turkey with a clinical 2-0 win.
Scotland marked their return to the tournament after 28 years with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. John McGinn proved the difference in the 28th minute when his deflected shot flew past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide. The result gave Scotland their first World Cup win since the 1990 finals in Italy. “Everyone said it was a must-win game – we won the game,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said after the match. The win moved Scotland to the top of Group C.
Five-time champions Brazil were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their Group C opener at MetLife Stadium. Morocco shocked the South Americans in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari finished brilliantly with a clever chip after breaking through the Brazilian defence. Brazil responded quickly through Vinicius Junior, who produced a moment of brilliance in the 32nd minute. Cutting in from the left wing, he unleashed a powerful strike to level the score. “It was a difficult match, especially at the beginning,” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted. “The players were anxious and we did not play our best football. However, it is only the first game of the tournament and there is still a long way to go.” Despite dominating possession, Brazil struggled to find a winner as Morocco defended resolutely.
The shock of the day came in Vancouver where Australia sent Turkey spinning to a 2-0 defeat in their Group D clash. The Socceroos produced a composed display, with teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda opening the scoring in the 27th minute after controlling a pass from Paul Okon-Engstler, cutting inside and firing a low strike. Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead in the 75th minute to seal victory. Australia coach Tony Popovic’s gamble to drop experienced captain Maty Ryan in favour of rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach was vindicated as Beach made save after save to deny the Turks. “Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this and just happy for a wonderful young group of men,” Popovic said afterwards.
Saturday’s results reshaped the early standings. Scotland now lead Group C ahead of Morocco and Brazil, while Australia laid down an early marker in Group D. Turkey maintained 72 percent possession and outshot Australia 30-9 but could not find a way through.
