McGinn made the difference on 28 minutes in Boston, when his deflected shot ended up in the net after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide blocked Che Adams’ effort from a dangerous Ben Gannon-Doak cross.
Scotland return to Boston to take on Morocco on Friday evening, while Haiti face the daunting task of a match with five-time champions Brazil in Philadelphia.
Here are our player ratings from a frazzled night as Steve Clarke’s side made a winning start to their first finals appearance since 1998, to move above Brazil and Morocco, who drew 1-1 earlier in the day, at the top of Group C.
Only time will tell what this means in the bigger picture, but Scotland did not lack heart in earning the three points they had craved.
Scotland
Angus Gunn – 6 – Given the nod ahead of Craig Gordon, and generally dealt well with all that confronted him.
Only dubious moment came in the first half when he spilled a shot by Ruben Providence that was somehow scrambled clear by Gunn and Grant Hanley with the imposing Frantzdy Pierrot poised to finish.
Aaron Hickey – 6 – Had to be mindful of Haiti’s counter-attacking threat in what would soon become a tortuous evening for his side and the Tartan Army in Boston, and ended up being booked early in the second half for a late challenge on the lively Providence.