Scotland v Morocco: World Cup 2026 – live

Morocco took the lead inside two minutes when Ismael Saibari was played through after Grant Hanley stepped out; the finish was deadly and Scotland found themselves 1-0 down after just 71 seconds. Scotland have struggled to hold the ball, their midfielders rarely getting a touch while John McGinn continues to work hard and Nathan Patterson pushes forward.

Morocco looked comfortable, with Saibari and Achraf Hakimi causing problems; Angus Gunn later kept Scotland in it with a timely stop when Hakimi threatened on the overlap. The pre-match atmosphere was loud and partisan, Flower of Scotland sung raucously and Morocco’s anthem answered in kind.

Fans were also asked to observe a minute’s applause in the 76th minute for Donny Strathie, a long-serving Tartan Army member who died in Boston. Manager Steve Clarke said he had made a few rotations to freshen the side and expects a big shift, noting Morocco are among the tournament favourites and Scotland must be at their best with and without the ball.

scotland, morocco, world cup, 2026, ismael saibari, grant hanley, john mcginn, nathan patterson, achraf hakimi, steve clarke