Morocco edges Scotland 1-0 to climb atop World Cup Group C as Saibari strikes early
Ismael Saibari's second-minute strike lifted Morocco to a 1-0 win over Scotland at Gillette Stadium, putting the Atlas Lions atop Group C at the 2026 World Cup.
Early breakthrough
Morocco needed only 110 seconds to seize control. Brahim Diaz split the Scottish defence with a through ball and Saibari lashed a half-volley into the far top corner, replicating the combination that had produced Morocco's goal in the opening 1-1 draw with Brazil. The finish stood as the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Moroccan control without the cushion
Mohamed Ouahbi's side dominated the first half but could not double their lead. Neil El Aynaoui fired over from a promising position on the half-hour mark and Bilal El Khannouss miscued a right-footed effort six minutes later. Scotland's best chance of the half fell to John McGinn deep in stoppage time, but he skewed a volley wide at the back post.
The pattern continued after the interval. Saibari saw a deflected shot crash against the crossbar in the 51st minute and Angus Gunn clawed away El Khannouss's header from the resulting corner. Late substitute Amaimouni-Echghouyab curled narrowly wide in added time.
Hakimi jeered amid legal backdrop
Every touch by Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi was met with jeers from the Boston crowd. Earlier on Friday the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed he will stand trial on a rape charge. The match also marked a personal milestone: with his start, Hakimi became the African player with the most World Cup appearances (17).
Group C picture
Scotland returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence having topped their qualifying group, and they arrived at Gillette Stadium as early group leaders after a 1-0 win over Haiti. That result, combined with Morocco's draw against Brazil, meant a victory would have secured Scotland's place in the round of 16. Instead, the Atlas Lions leapfrogged them with four points, while Scotland stay on three. Brazil and Haiti, both on one point, face each other later in the group.
- Kick-off. Morocco score after 70 seconds: Saibari half-volley from Diaz assist.
- Hakimi's 17th World Cup appearance makes him Africa's most-capped player in the tournament.
- El Aynaoui shoots over from close range.
- El Khannouss miscues a right-footed effort.
- McGinn volleys wide for Scotland in first-half stoppage time.
- Half-time: Scotland 0-1 Morocco.
- Second half begins.
- Saibari's deflected shot hits the crossbar; Gunn saves El Khannouss header from corner.
- Amaimouni curls wide in added time. Morocco see out the win.
What comes next
The final group-stage matches are set for 25 June: Morocco meet Haiti in Atlanta and Scotland take on Brazil in Miami. A point against Haiti would guarantee Morocco's progress.
