Scotland on the brink of history: a crunch Morocco test

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B, Scotland stand on the brink of history: a point would almost certainly secure a place in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. In a crunch clash at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, their opponents are a strong Morocco side who finished fourth in Qatar four years ago.

Scotland made a perfect start by beating Haiti in their first World Cup match in 28 years — a win in the most favourable of their three group fixtures that eased nerves. Morocco, who reached the semifinals and finished fourth in Qatar, are proving that was no flash in the pan. Having outplayed five-time world champions Brazil last week, the Atlas Lions are seeking the win that would secure their own knockout berth.

According to SI.com, Morocco could start hard and fast as they did against Brazil, so Scotland may have to weather an early storm. The longer Steve Clarke's team stays competitive, the greater the chance of playing their own game. The right flank of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz makes Morocco extremely dangerous, while teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is emerging as a breakout star of the tournament.

Scotland may have to take a smash-and-grab approach. "We are not naive enough to think we are going to dominate possession and limit them to zero chances," said midfielder Ryan Christie. "But we want to limit those numbers and take the chance when we can, to hurt them." What Morocco did against Brazil is notable; even with a relatively recent change of manager, this is a team that can legitimately see itself among the world's best, up to sixth in FIFA's latest rankings.

The two countries last met at a World Cup in 1998, when Norway's surprise win over Brazil meant Scotland's hopes were already gone before three Morocco goals and a red card.

Scotland lined up 4-4-2 against Haiti, but Clarke may change the system to avoid being outnumbered against Morocco's three central midfielders. The way to do that is to sacrifice a striker — Lawrence Shankland or Ché Adams — for an extra midfielder. For Morocco, there seems no reason for Mohamed Ouahbi to change; the pre-tournament injuries to Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd threatened to be a problem, but you wouldn't have known watching them against Brazil.

SI.com predict 2-1 to Morocco.

Predicted XIs
Scotland (4-2-3-1): Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson; Ferguson, McGinn; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Christie; Adams
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated