Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Scotland’s hopes of making World Cup history remain alive despite a defeat to Morocco, with a final group stage clash against Brazil now decisive.
Ismael Saibari struck just 70 seconds into the Boston match to give Morocco a crucial win over Steve Clarke’s side.
Morocco entered the contest with an unbeaten run stretching across 30 matches, and the African champions refused to surrender their early lead throughout the contest.
Clarke’s team toiled badly during the first 30 minutes, with Morocco threatening to put the match beyond reach before Scotland steadied themselves.
A battling second-half performance kept the Tartan Army’s hopes alive, though controversial penalty appeals for Scott McTominay were dismissed by Uzbekistan referee Ilgiz Tantashev.
Scotland now sit with three points in Group C, requiring a result against Brazil to become the first Scottish side to progress from a World Cup group stage.
The opening goal arrived when Saibari exploited Grant Hanley’s misjudged offside attempt, escaping clear before smashing a fabulous finish beyond goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Ryan Christie squandered Scotland’s best chance of an equaliser, firing over from the edge of the box when well placed during the second period.
Substitute Lyndon Dykes also headed wide from a corner as Clarke’s men ran out of ideas in their search for a leveller against goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Penalty appeals for challenges on John McGinn and McTominay were both waved away by officials during the second half, compounding Scotland’s frustration.
Gunn earned a rating of seven from reporter Craig Swan, producing a strong performance that included a superb near-post stop from a glancing header by El Khannouss.
Jack Hendry also received a seven despite failing to recover for the opening goal, earning his score with a crucial block that deflected a shot onto the bar just after half-time.
Lewis Ferguson was another bright spot, earning a seven for a tireless display protecting the backline and driving his team forward throughout both halves.
Hanley, whose split-second decision to step up for offside proved a fatal misjudgement, received a five along with Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney from the reporter.
Substitutes Ben Gannon Doak, Kenny McLean, and Lyndon Dykes each received a rating of three, while Anthony Ralston and Ross Stewart received ones for their brief late appearances.
Scotland’s entire World Cup future now hinges on Wednesday’s match against Brazil in Miami, where only a positive result may be enough to secure progression.
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