World Cup 2026 day four: Huge wins for Scotland and Australia, Germany and Netherlands playing later

FootballSports
14 Jun 2026 • 5:36 PM MYT
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An historic night for Scotland saw the Tartan Army win their opening World Cup game 1-0 against Haiti.

John McGinn's deflected effort means Steve Clarke's side go top of Group C, after Brazil drew with Morocco 1-1.

A lovely dink by Ismael Saibari was answered back by a brilliant finish from Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, sharing the points between the two nations.

Elsewhere, Qatar shocked Switzerland with a late equaliser to draw 1-1 in Group B.

The Swiss took the lead after Breel Embolo scored from the spot, but an own goal from Miro Muheim in the 94th minute means Qatar picked up their first-ever World Cup point.

Australia got off to a dream start against Turkey in the final game of day three, winning 2-0, with fabulous finishes from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Four games are to come today, with Germany and the Netherlands getting their campaigns underway.

The Germans play first against Curacao at 6pm, before the Dutch face Japan at 9pm.

The nighttime games see Ivory Coast play Ecuador at midnight, with Sweden concluding day four against Tunisia from 3am.

Where does McGinn rank with Scottish greats?

Image from: World Cup 2026 day four: Huge wins for Scotland and Australia, Germany and Netherlands playing later
John McGinn | Source: REUTERS

The first Scottish goalscorer at a World Cup since 1998, a Europa League winner this season after scoring two goals in the semi-final, his country's fifth-highest goalscorer and fourth-highest capped player, that's just to name a few of his accolades.

John McGinn continues to etch his name into Scottish history, with his deflected strike giving the Tartan Army their first win at a World Cup since 1990.

No doubt a legend in the Scottish game, as his talent continues to show on the biggest stage of them all.

Speaking after the victory against Haiti, McGinn said: "We've been through a lot of hurt as a country.

"A generation of supporters hasn't seen this. But the pride on my face this morning seeing all the kids going to the parks in a Scotland kit and painting their faces.

"Hopefully, when kids get up tomorrow, they'll be beaming with pride because I am. It sets things up for Friday [against Morocco]."

Steve Clarke insists pressure is off with opening win

Scotland manager Steve Clarke insists that the pressure is off his side now after their opening win against Haiti.

He said: "The next two games against teams inside the world top 10 will be tough games, but obviously we're going into them with a little bit less pressure than everybody put on us going into this game.

"As well as everyone else, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves going into the first game.

"If we 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, we'll be okay."

Scotland off to winning ways

Image from: World Cup 2026 day four: Huge wins for Scotland and Australia, Germany and Netherlands playing later
John McGinn | Source: REUTERS

Scotland got off to winning ways in Boston with John McGinn's deflected strike enough to secure all three points.

The Aston Villa midfielder becomes the first Scottish goalscorer since Craig Burley in 1998 against Norway.

Steve Clarke shared his delight with the result in his post-match interview, telling captain Andy Robertson it was "about time we won a game in the group stage".

"Everyone said must win. We won the game. That's what this team is all about. They can play, but if they have to dig in they do that as well. Defensively outstanding," he told the BBC.

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