Morocco Beat Scotland in 71 Seconds to Move Closer to World Cup Knockout Stage

Morocco took a major step toward the 2026 World Cup knockout round on the night between Friday and Saturday, beating Scotland 1-0 in their second Group C match. Ismail Saibari scored the decisive goal after only 71 seconds, his second of the tournament, as Morocco moved to four points and put themselves in a strong position to advance.

The goal came in Boston after Brahim Diaz played a fine through ball to the Bayern Munich incoming signing, who shook off his marker and finished powerfully from a tight angle past Angus Gunn. Scotland, led by Steve Clarke, struggled to create chances in the first half, although John McGinn had a good opening before the break and failed to convert. Morocco looked the more dangerous side, controlled the tempo, and nearly doubled their lead through Achraf Hakimi, Bilal El Khannouss and Saibari, whose second-half shot was tipped onto the crossbar.

After halftime Scotland pressed harder in search of an equalizer. McGinn and Scott McTominay each appealed for penalties in separate incidents, but referee Ilgiz Tantashev dismissed both protests. Late efforts from McTominay and Lyndon Dykes also came to nothing against a disciplined Moroccan defense and a goalkeeper who was scarcely tested.

Morocco now have four points and need only a win over Haiti in the final round to guarantee a place in the next stage. Scotland remain on three points, but their fate is still in their own hands ahead of a difficult closing match against Brazil on Wednesday. The Group C finales are scheduled for June 25 at 1:00 a.m., Scotland against Brazil in Miami and Morocco against Haiti in Atlanta.