FIFA World Cup 2026 — Morocco takes first win, beating Scotland 1-0; SCO vs MAR complete player ratings

Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal of the World Cup so far after just 71 seconds as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 on Friday to close in on a place in the knockout rounds.

Saibari scored in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw with Brazil last weekend and his clinical finish with just over a minute ahead set up a hard-fought, physical match watched by 64,146 spectators at Gillette Stadium near Boston.

The 25-year-old, born in Spain and raised in Belgium, is reportedly on the verge of a €55 million transfer from champions PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich.

The quality of his shot past goalkeeper Angus Gunn showed why he is attracting so much interest, and it was telling that Scotland lacked the same quality in the opposition’s penalty area – which helps explain why Morocco are ranked fifth in the world, and Scotland 40th.

With four points from two matches, Morocco is now set to advance to the last 32 as the country aims to match its historic run at least until the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.

However, it was a sobering evening for Scotland and its army of fans who have taken on Boston in this World Cup, as the team never really tested Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The difficult 1-0 victory over Haiti in the opening match at the same stadium last weekend – which was its first World Cup win since 1990 – gave the country a platform to build on and reason to believe it can progress beyond the group stages at a World Cup for the first time ever.

Another win here would have secured progression from Group C, but the chances of progressing further remain up in the air ahead of the next match against Brazil in Miami next Wednesday.

Morocco, whose captain Achraf Hakimi started hours after it was confirmed he was to stand trial in France on rape charges, next face Haiti in Atlanta.

Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi left here after the match against Brazil with an unchanged starting line-up, but opponent Steve Clarke made three changes.

Clarke looked to strengthen his defense which meant striker Lawrence Shankland came off as defender Kieran Tierney came into the side to create a back five.

But that was of little use, as Morocco took the lead almost from the kick-off.

The assist came from Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Grant Hanley played Saibari onside as the latter took the ball over the top, controlled it and fired it high into the net.

Morocco, who beat Scotland 3-0 when the teams met at the 1998 World Cup, threatened to overwhelm their opponent every time they went forward but were wasteful, with Bilal El Khannouss squandering a good chance after 36 minutes.

Scotland were as dour in attack as they have been for a long time, and it wasn’t until first-half stoppage time that anything dangerous emerged.

That was a cross from the left from skipper Andy Robertson that John McGinn couldn’t make use of and the opening period ended without Bounou having to make a save.

Morocco hit the woodwork five minutes into the second half when Saibari met an El Khannouss cutback and his effort was deflected onto the crossbar by Jack Hendry.

Moments later, Gunn made a fine stop to prevent El Khannouss’ header from a Hakimi corner, who was regularly booed by the crowd.

Nevertheless, Morocco seemed content to see out the game and soak up what Scotland could throw at it.

Ryan Christie fired over in the 64th minute after being picked up by Scott McTominay, who hit the side netting late on, but a goal for Scotland proved elusive.

(with input from AFP)

Published on June 20, 2026