Morocco Edge Scotland to Move Closer to Knockout Stage

June 20, (THEWILL) — Morocco strengthened their grip on a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Scotland in their Group C clash at Gillette Stadium.

The North Africans made the perfect start, taking the lead after just 70 seconds through Ismael Saibari in what became the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

The goal came from a moment of quality as Brahim Díaz delivered a precise ball into the right channel, allowing Saibari to race onto it before volleying brilliantly across goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

A brief VAR review confirmed the strike.

Morocco dominated possession throughout the opening half, controlling 78 percent of the ball and pinning Scotland deep inside their own half. They nearly doubled their advantage when Azzedine Ounahi fired narrowly wide following a Scottish turnover.

Scotland struggled to create meaningful opportunities and failed to register a shot on target in the entire match. Their first real threat came only after the restart when John McGinn appealed for a penalty after a challenge from Neil El Aynaoui, but the referee waved play on.

Morocco continued to threaten after halftime, with Bilal El Khannouss forcing Gunn into an important save from an Achraf Hakimi corner.

Scotland pushed for a late equaliser and were again denied penalty appeals, this time through Scott McTominay, but Morocco’s disciplined defence held firm.

The result leaves Morocco in a strong position to advance, while Scotland must now get a result against Brazil national football team in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.