World Cup 2026: Morocco Top Group D After 1-0 Victory Over Scotland

Saibari screamer downs Scotland as Morocco edge in Boston
 

Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 thanks to Saibari’s top-corner finish. Angus Gunn made key saves but Scotland failed to test Bono. Next up: Morocco Vs Haiti, Scotland vs Brazil.

Morocco vs Scotland 1-0, Atlas Lions stay unbeaten, Gunn keeps it close...

Saibari’s strike gives Morocco a 1-0 win over a resilient Scotland.

Morocco grabbed an early goal in Boston to edge Scotland 1-0 in both sides’ second group-stage match at the FIFA World Cup.

Unbeaten in 30 games before kickoff, Morocco wasted no time. Brahim Diaz set up Ismael Saibari to break the deadlock.

Pushed wide by his defender, the future Bayern Munich forward still shot from a tight angle and curled a brilliant effort into the top corner.

Morocco almost made it 2-0 minutes later after Ryan Christie lost possession. But Azzedine Ounahi’s cross drifted past two teammates in the box.

The Atlas Lions kept threatening. Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn had to react in the 18th minute when Achraf Hakimi poked the ball toward goal, only for Gunn to palm it away.

Morocco kept pressing. Bilal El Khannouss got a chance after a midfield clash, but the Stuttgart midfielder mishit it. The ball took a bad bounce and he blazed it over.

Scotland created just one real opening before halftime. Andy Robertson surged forward and tried to find John McGinn on the opposite flank. He did locate the Aston Villa captain, but the angle was tight and McGinn couldn’t make clean contact.

Scotland came out stronger after halftime, chasing an equalizer. They appealed for a penalty when Neil El Aynaoui knocked McGinn over. Morocco quickly took back control, and Saibari was unlucky not to double the lead when his shot clipped the bar and bounced out.

El Khannouss then met a corner with his head, forcing a key save from Gunn. Later, Scott McTominay drove forward but had his shot blocked. In stoppage time Chemsdine Talbi had a chance to make it 2-0, but he fired his effort over the bar.

Even with more attacking intent, Scotland rarely threatened. The Tartan Army managed few shots on target and never really tested Bono in Morocco’s goal. The result drops them to 2nd in Group D, and they could fall to 3rd if Brazil beats them next Wednesday.

Morocco takes provisional top spot in the group and is well placed to qualify. The Atlas Lions face Haiti next, also on Wednesday.