Morocco edges Scotland 1-0 with 71-second strike, but Paraguay's 64-second goal steals fastest record

Saibari breaks deadlock in second minute

Morocco took control of Group C with a 1-0 win over Scotland at Gillette Stadium, settled by Ismael Saibari's strike after only 71 seconds. Brahim Diaz delivered a precise assist, allowing Saibari to fire into the top corner. The African side managed the game thereafter, limiting Scotland to few clear chances and coming close to a second goal when Saibari's shot deflected off Jack Hendry onto the crossbar.

“The result is our success, but it also speaks to the quality of the Scots. We are satisfied, we played a great match, although we lacked a bit of clinical edge.”

Scotland's best opportunity fell to Lyndon Dykes in the 85th minute, but he headed wide from close range. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev twice consulted the VAR monitor for possible Scottish penalties, but no spot-kick was given. Scotland remain on three points and must face Brazil in their final group match.

Fastest goals tumble across Friday night

Saibari's goal was the quickest of the 2026 tournament at the time, but Paraguay's Matías Galarza surpassed it a few hours later. He scored from distance after just 64 seconds against Turkey at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, the only goal in a 1-0 victory. Turkey had 32 shots and 79 percent possession but could not score, even after Paraguay had a player sent off in first-half stoppage time.

Matías Galarza (Paraguay vs Turkey)64

Ismael Saibari (Morocco vs Scotland)71

Matías Galarza (Paraguay vs Turkey)

64 seconds

Ismael Saibari (Morocco vs Scotland)

71 seconds

Data from the article text

Brazil overpowers Haiti, Neymar return nears

Brazil responded to their opening draw with Morocco by beating Haiti 3-0. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinícius Júnior added a third, all in the first half. Carlo Ancelotti's side lost Raphinha to injury before the break but confirmed that Neymar, who missed the first two games with a calf issue, is likely to be available for the next match.

“They showed they deserved to be at this World Cup. Unfortunately, we played against Brazil and the gap was too big.”

Haiti became the first team eliminated from Group C.

US advances with Australia win

Earlier, co-hosts the United States secured a place in the knockout rounds by defeating Australia 2-0 in Group D. An own goal from Cameron Burgess and a strike by Alex Freeman gave Mauricio Pochettino's team their second win, ensuring progression with a game to spare.

Brazil4

Morocco4

Scotland3

Haiti0

Brazil

4 points

Morocco

4 points

Scotland

3 points

Haiti

0 points

Data from the article text

Off-field moments and tributes

Achraf Hakimi featured for Morocco despite facing sexual assault allegations, and was jeered by sections of the crowd every time he touched the ball. Coach Ouahbi defended his captain, stating the squad and 44 million Moroccans stood behind him. Before the match, Scotland paid tribute to 76-year-old fan Donny Strathie, who had a ticket but died tragically before seeing the game.