SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - For the first time in 52 years, Haiti is on the world’s biggest soccer stage.

Saturday night, soccer fans got to rejoice as World Cup action kicked off in Foxborough with Haiti facing Scotland.

New England has one of the largest Haitian communities in the country.

Saturday was a celebration like no other. Not only was Haiti celebrating their first World Cup since 1974, but the Scotland fans were also celebrating their first appearance since 1998.

Fans from all over converged on Foxborough to be a part of the match.

Scotland was able to secure the win thanks to a 28th-minute goal from John McGinn, but it didn’t take away from the huge showing of support Haiti received from their fans Saturday and what’s sure to come for the rest of the tournament.

“We’ve been waiting for 52 years for this, man,” said fan Ephesien Redvil. “We’re going to enjoy it and we’re going to go through each of this game.”

Scotland will stay in Massachusetts to face Morocco while Haiti prepares to head to Philadelphia to face Brazil on Juneteenth.

If Haiti plans on making it out of the group stage and quality for the knockout stages for the first time ever, they’ll have to secure at least a draw against the 5-time World Cup champions.

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