Match Information: Scotland vs Morocco
Group C
Date: 20 June 2026
Kick-off: 00:00
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough City
Following an amazing semi-final run that surprised many in their previous World Cup participation, Morocco will arrive as the favourites in this fixture. However, a win against the Tartan Army, oozing with confidence after a 1-0 victory in their opening fixture, will not be an easy task.
The two sides will be meeting for the very first time since 1998, in a fixture in which Morocco claimed an emphatic 3-0 victory.
Key Storylines
Scotland
Following a 28-year absence from the tournament, coach Steve Clarke’s side will be aiming for their first-ever victory against the AFCON 2026 finalists. Following their victory in the opening fixture, the Tartan Army will be aiming to keep their momentum going.
A big record awaits the club’s captain, Andy Robertson, to become the first-ever captain to lead his country beyond the group stages. In 1974, 1978 and 1982, they came agonisingly close as they fell short in goal differences on all three occasions.
After topping Group C and scoring 13 goals during the World Cup qualifiers a round of 32 qualification would be no surprise.
Morocco
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations champions will aim to surpass their own record of being the only African side to ever reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. A spot in the finals and possibly winning the tournament is on the cards for coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side.
Morocco produced a very strong display against their strongest opponents in the group, Brazil, in the 1-1 draw during the sides’ opening fixture. Their performance against the Samba boys caught a lot of attention, with players such as the 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi who marshalled the midfield against midfield maestros such as Casemiro and Fabinho.
A win against Scotland brings them closer to the next round ahead of their final fixture against Haiti.
Players to watch
Scotland: Scott McTominay
The Napoli midfielder came to the World Cup as one of the club’s top goalscorers with 2 goals. The former Manchester United midfielder made the switch to the Italian Serie A in 2024, where he won the MVP award in his first season, becoming the first Scottish player to do so.
The midfielder enjoys a lot of his time around the 18-yard box hence he is always likely to play a role in his side scoring. McTominay currently sits on 15 goals in 71 caps for his country.
Morocco: Ismael Saibari
Following a strong season in during the 2025/26 season for his club, Saibari arrive at the tournament oozing with confidence after winning PSV Eindhoven’s Player of the Year award.
Already opened his account in the tournament against Brazil, the 24-year-old has placed himself as one of the best breakout candidates of the tournament.
With the backing from creative stars such as Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, his movements and finishing ability will pose a big danger for Scotland.
Form Guide
Scotland
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
Bolivia 0-4 Scotland
Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland 0-1 Ivory Coast
Morocco
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
Morocco 1-1 Norway
Morocco 4-0 Madagascar
Morocco 5-0 Burundi
With both sides on top form, a lot of goals can be expected from the Group C fixture, considering both sides’ top-scoring form. Although Morocco’s winning form has stalled in the last two games, Scotland can expect a very offensive display from Mohamed Ouahbi’s side.
Team News
Both sides will enjoy the availability of their full squads. Despite an injury scare by 35-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou against Brazil, the goalkeeper will be expected to start the game against Scotland. The side will also be counting on the availability of captain Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
After missing the opening game against Haiti, Scotland has welcomed back centre-back Scott McKenna from injury. The towering defender has returned to training ahead of their second fixture in the tournament.
Betting Tips
Despite drawing their last two fixtures, the game favours Morocco. However, Scotland’s recent form should remain a worrying factor for Morocco.
An open game can be expected from both sides as they have previously proven to be offensive and very deadly in front of goals.
Morocco and over 1.5 remain as the safest and logical bet considering the sides’ ability to score.
Odds
4/1 Scotland | Draw 23/10 | Morocco 15/20
Prediction
A strong opening and midfield dominance can be expected from Morocco as their midfield trio of Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Azzedine Ounahi proved to be very strong in keeping possession. Expect Ounahi and Brahim’s creativity to drive the team forward and create opportunities for players like Saibari.
Scotland may score a goal, but winning the game will be one of their most difficult challenges in the tournament. John McGinn may pose a serious threat in front of goals, together with stars like Scott McTominay and Che Adams.
Verdict: Scotland 1-2 Morocco
Written by: Sizwe Ntshololo
In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
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Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.
Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.
The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.
The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.
But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.
The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.
It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.