BOSTON/NEW YORK/VANCOUVER, JUN 14 (IANS): A dramatic day of FIFA World Cup 2026 action saw Scotland secure their first victory since 1990, Brazil and Morocco share the spoils in a high-profile clash, and debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach inspire Australia to a memorable win over Turkiye.
Scotland break 36-year wait
Scotland marked their return to the men’s World Cup after 28 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti at the Boston Stadium. John McGinn’s first-half strike proved decisive, ending a 36-year drought since their last World Cup win in 1990. The Scots began brightly, with Scott McTominay threatening early before McGinn pounced in the 29th minute. Che Adams and Ben Gannon-Doak combined to create the chance, and McGinn’s deflected shot beat Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide.
Haiti responded with energy, Ruben Providence forcing a scramble after a low drive, while Frantdzy Pierrot came close late on with a header that drifted wide. Despite Haiti’s pressure, Scotland held firm to top Group C after the opening round.
Brazil and Morocco share points
In New York, five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco, semi-finalists at Qatar 2022. Both goals were of high quality, with Ismael Saibari lifting Brahim Diaz’s through ball past Alisson to give Morocco the lead, before Vinicius Jr equalized with a blistering strike from the left edge of the box.
Vinicius’ goal was notable as the first he has scored for Brazil without securing victory, breaking a streak of eight winning contributions. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced several fine saves, denying Lucas Paquetá and Raphinha, while Alisson was equally sharp at the other end, blocking efforts from Neil El Aynaoui and Ayoube Amaimouni.
The result leaves both sides level in Group C, with Morocco continuing to show resilience against world football’s elite.
Australia’s inspired debutant Beach
At Vancouver’s BC Place, Australia stunned Turkiye 2-0, thanks to a standout debut from young goalkeeper Patrick Beach and goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
Beach, preferred over veteran Mathew Ryan, made eight crucial saves, including tipping Abdulkerime Bardakci’s shot onto the post and parrying a powerful free-kick from Arda Guler. His composure under pressure anchored the Socceroos’ defense.
Irankunda opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside before rifling home an unstoppable shot. Metcalfe sealed the win 15 minutes from time, dispossessing Turkiye in midfield and firing into the bottom corner.
The victory marked Australia’s first opening World Cup win since 2006, setting up a top-of-the-table clash with the USA in Seattle. Turkiye, meanwhile, face a crucial encounter with Paraguay to keep their hopes alive.
Qatar snatch historic first point against Switzerland
Qatar secured a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by earning their first-ever point on foreign soil with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Santa Clara. Breel Embolo had given the Swiss an early lead in the 17th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Remo Freuler was fouled by Mahmoud Abunada. Switzerland dominated throughout, registering 25 attempts, with Dan Ndoye and Michel Aebischer posing constant threats.
Despite being under pressure, Qatar showed flashes of danger on the counter, with Edmilson Junior forcing key saves from Gregor Kobel. Switzerland missed chances late on through Juan Vargas and Embolo, leaving the door open for a stunning finale. In stoppage time, Homam Ahmed’s precise cross found Boualem Khoukhi, who powered home a header to spark jubilant celebrations.
The result frustrated Switzerland, who failed to capitalize on their dominance, but marked a landmark achievement for Qatar. It also saw veterans Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka equal the national record with their 13th World Cup appearances. For Qatar, the draw keeps their hopes alive and adds a memorable chapter to their growing World Cup journey.