Morocco took an early lead over Scotland at Boston Stadium via a screamer by Ismael Saibari and never looked back.
The Atlas Lions’ solitary goal came courtesy of Saibari, who ran past the Scottish back line, brought down a well-weighted ball from Brahim Diaz, and slammed the ball past Angus Gunn and into the roof of the net.
His finish was a record breaker: the fastest so far at FIFA World Cup 2026 and Morocco’s fastest ever at the global showpiece.
After the break, the game’s back-and-forth momentum continued.
Saibari came close to a second, hitting a deflected shot off the bar after Bilal El Khannouss broke down the left wing and whipped in a low cross.
Morocco came close again moments later when El Khannouss nearly flicked home a near post corner from Achraf Hakimi, only to be denied by Gunn again.
Scotland gained the ascendancy in the final 15 minutes.
John McGinn, Ben Gannon-Doak, and Scott McTominay attacked in waves as the Tartan Army willed them toward an equaliser.
However time ran out as the Atlas Lions hung on for a crucial victory.
