FIFA World Cup 2026 — Morocco performed better against Scotland than against Brazil, says coach Ouahbi

According to coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco’s performance in Friday’s 1-0 World Cup win over Scotland was better than the North Africans’ impressive performance in their draw against Brazil last week.

His prediction came as Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal of the 2026 tournament so far after 71 seconds, giving Morocco a perfect start before holding off a late Scotland surge for a deserved 1-0 win to move into four points in Group C.

“We controlled the whole game and, in terms of efficiency, I actually thought it was better than the first game,” said Ouahbi, whose side turned heads in the opening 1-1 draw against Brazil in New York/New Jersey last weekend.

«I see it as progress compared to the first game. So in the end we are happy with the result; we wanted three points, and we got them. That was the main goal.»

“I believe we were in control of the game, but if you don’t score a second goal then obviously we have to defend because Scotland had a very intense approach with very long balls. But I couldn’t be happier with the performance.”

However, the confrontation took place against the backdrop of cheers for Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi, hours after a French appeals court confirmed he will stand trial in a rape case.

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Hakimi, 27, who plays his club football for European champions Paris St Germain, denies the allegations.

Ouahbi tried to dodge questions about the impact the case could have on Hakimi and the rest of the team.

«Hakimi was extraordinary. He played a very strong match, so we are very relaxed, and he is especially relaxed,» the coach said.

Morocco’s place in the next round is not mathematically certain, so Ouahbi said he would resist any temptation to rest players for the final group match against Haiti in Atlanta on Wednesday.

«The aim will be to win the game and hopefully be number one in the group. So I’m going to field the best possible team based on how physically ready the players are,» he added.

Published on June 20, 2026