The third matchday of the 2026 World Cup produced four results whose final whistles sounded after 08:00 Kyiv time. The morning digest did not manage to cover them — we are fixing that now.
Scotland — first World Cup win in 36 years
In Boston (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough), Scotland defeated Haiti 1:0 in a Group C match. The only goal was scored by John McGinn in the 28th minute — he tapped in the rebound after the goalkeeper had parried a shot from Che Adams. Haiti had several dangerous moments, including in the 85th minute when forward Frantzdy Pierrot failed to convert a header from a perfect cross, but the Scottish defence held firm. It is Scotland's first win at a World Cup since 1990.
Thanks to this result and Brazil's draw with Morocco (1:1) in the same round, Scotland top Group C after the first round, ahead of both favourites.
Brazil vs Morocco: a draw that not everyone is happy with
In New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Morocco opened the scoring as early as the 21st minute: Ismail Saibari converted a brilliant pass from Brahim Díaz, beating two defenders and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Brazil responded with individual brilliance — Vinícius Júnior dribbled past Achraf Hakimi and slotted the ball into the far corner. The second half was a tactical battle and the score did not change — 1:1. Both teams earned one point each.
Australia stun Turkey 2:0
In Vancouver (BC Place), the Australians claimed a convincing victory over Turkey, who were returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2002. Nestory Irankunda scored a spectacular goal in the 27th minute following a counter-attack, and Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead in the 75th minute with a strike from outside the penalty area. Turkey pressed but could not break through the Socceroos' organised defence.
Qatar earn their first ever World Cup point
In a Group B match, Switzerland and Qatar drew 1:1. Breel Embolo converted a penalty in the 16th minute after goalkeeper Abounada fouled Remo Freuler. However, late in the match Qatar responded with a goal from Boualem Khoukhi — the first point in Qatar's World Cup history. Embolo's goal sparked controversy over an offside call, but the officials did not change their decision.
This evening at the 2026 World Cup, Germany face Curaçao and the Netherlands face Japan; a detailed preview will follow shortly.
