A crucial Group C showdown awaits at Gillette Stadium as Scotland take on Morocco in a match that could have major implications for qualification to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Scotland head into the contest on top of the group after opening their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti. A first-half strike from John McGinn proved decisive, handing Steve Clarke’s side three valuable points. Another win would guarantee Scotland a place in the Round of 32 and could even secure top spot in the group if results elsewhere go in their favour.
Morocco, however, will provide a much sterner test. The Atlas Lions impressed in their opening match by earning a 1-1 draw against Brazil. Ismael Saibari gave the Africans the lead before Vinícius Júnior rescued a point for Brazil.
Having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Morocco continue to be regarded as one of the tournament’s most dangerous outsiders. With qualification still firmly within reach, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will be determined to claim a statement victory, while Scotland aim to take another major step toward the knockout rounds.
Team News
Scott McKenna (calf) is a doubt for Scotland’s second match at the 2026 World Cup, but Clarke’s team are otherwise in strong shape for their clash with Morocco, and it would not be a surprise to see an unchanged XI take to the field.
Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland found it difficult to have an impact against Haiti, but the pair are likely to continue in the final third of the field, with McGinn and Scott McTominay operating in a deeper area for Scotland in this contest.
Morocco, meanwhile, could also be unchanged from their clash with Brazil, as no fresh injuries have been reported from the camp at this stage of proceedings.
Saibari, who is set to join Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven this summer, led the Morocco line against Brazil and got his name on the scoresheet – the 25-year-old is expected to keep hold of his starting role against Scotland.
Possible Lineups
Scotland possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn; Adams, Shankland
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 23:00 (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts Scotland 1-2 Morocco
This is a really tough match for Scotland – a draw would an excellent result for Clarke’s side under the circumstances, but we are expecting a strong Morocco outfit to move onto four points in the group courtesy of a narrow success.
