The 2026 FIFA World Cup has got off to a flyer, with Scotland securing their first victory at the tournament since 1990 thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti.
Elsewhere, Japan staged a spirited comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and Germany made a statement by dismantling tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1.
Sweden eased to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, while Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw against a well-drilled Morocco side.
In other results, Qatar and Switzerland played out a 1-1 stalemate, Australia overcame Turkey 2-0 and Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0.
Scotland claim historic victory
John McGinn’s first-half goal was the difference as Scotland claimed a historic victory over Haiti in Boston to spark wild celebrations among their fans.
“I’m tired but absolutely delighted with my players – resilience, character, everything about this group of players had to be on the pitch tonight and it was,” Scotland head coach Steve Clarke admitted to reporters post-match.
“Everyone told us it was a must-win game and we won the game. If it is a must-win game and you win, I think you can be happy with yourselves.
“The next two games against teams inside the world’s top 10 will be tough games, but obviously we go into them with a little bit less pressure than everybody put on us going into this game.
“And as well as everyone, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves going into the first game, so we go into the next two games with a little less pressure.
“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.”
Japan cancel out Netherlands
The Netherlands twice took the lead against Japan courtesy of Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville, but Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada restored parity in Arlington.
Reviewing the game, Sky Sports’ Roy Keane stated: “I was more impressed with the Dutch – yes, they gave a couple of daft goals away and there were set pieces at the end.
“In the bigger picture, the Dutch looked decent but you cannot take anything away from Japan. I also give them credit for hanging in there.
“They will both take the draw and move on.
“But the Dutch were in control and I still think they will be more of a threat in the latter stages [of the tournament] than Japan.”
Germany hammer debutants Curaçao
Germany took an early lead through Felix Nmecha before being sensationally pegged back by Livano Comenencia – Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal.
However, further efforts from Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (twice), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav sealed the three points for the Germans in Houston.
On the landslide victory, Sky Sports pundit Adam Bate said: “This was a difficult game to assess because on the face of it, that was emphatic from Germany and there were some superb finishes, but they also looked a little vulnerable at the back.
“Would a better team than Curaçao expose those frailties? Maybe we will find out as this tournament progresses, but Germany’s attacking prowess has sent a message.
“[Florian] Wirtz was dictating matters in the final third, flanked by the direct running of Musiala and [Leroy] Sané. Germany have an excellent balance in attack.
“For now, it is a big win for Julian Nagelsmann’s side on what was a historic day, nevertheless, for Curaçao.”
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Sweden outclass poor Tunisia
Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Yasin Ayari (twice) and Mattias Svanberg all scored in Guadalupe as Sweden made light work of a Tunisia side that could only muster a header through Omar Rekin.
“Five goals and solid – we could’ve scored more. All credit to the players, they were fantastic,” Sweden manager Graham Potter told ITV.
“The boys remained calm and maintained a goal threat. We take the victory.
“There is room to improve, but we will enjoy tonight and recover to get ready again.”
Brazil held by Morocco
Ismael Saibari fired Morocco into the lead against Brazil before Vinícius Júnior drew the five-time winners level with a stunning strike in New York.
Speaking to FIFA after the game, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti explained: “I think we didn’t start very well – I’m a little worried.
“We lost a lot of duels and possession, but we improved in the second half of a difficult match, because Morocco is a good team.
“In the first half, we had difficulty getting out of the pressure, we could have had more control.
“Satisfied? Not really. I expected a better start, but things can happen. Now I’m going to focus on the next game.”
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SportJustSport writers 
Liam McLaughlan