Morocco are now close to reaching the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Scotland 1-0 in Boston on Friday. An early goal from Ismael Saibari gave the Atlas Lions a deserved win and put them top of Group C with four points from two matches.
Morocco started the game strongly and took the lead after just two minutes. Brahim Diaz played a clever pass through the Scottish defence and Saibari finished confidently to score the only goal of the match.
The Atlas Lions controlled most of the first half, keeping 62% possession and creating several good chances. They could have scored more, but missed three clear opportunities before the break.
Scotland spent much of the opening half defending deep and looking for chances on the counter-attack.
After the restart, Scotland pushed further forward in search of an equaliser. However, Morocco stayed in control of possession and limited the Scots to very few clear chances.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and the Moroccan defence dealt well with Scotland’s crosses and attacks as Morocco held on for an important victory.
The match statistics reflected Morocco’s control. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side had 14 shots, including five on target, compared with Scotland’s six shots and two on target.
Morocco also completed 510 passes with an accuracy rate of 88% and won six corners, while Scotland managed only two.
The win leaves Morocco alone at the top of Group C with four points. Scotland are second with three points, while Brazil have one point and Haiti remain without a point ahead of their meeting later in the day.
Morocco will play Haiti in their final group match on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. A draw will be enough to secure a place in the last 16 regardless of other results.
