Preview: Scotland vs Morocco prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can African champions Morocco clinch their first win of World Cup 2026?

Perched on the elevated, forested terrain of Norfolk County, Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group C fixture of Match Week 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where hosts African champions Morocco take on Scotland in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Scotland are not even among the top two highest-ranked teams in Group C, yet they find themselves atop the points table after a narrow win over Haiti in the last game.

Despite a win, the Scottish team failed to create too many chances, and shockingly, Haiti and Scotland had almost the same expected goals in the game. They were lucky enough to grab all three points in the match after a solitary goal from Aston Villa star McGinn.

They are led by former Aston Villa coach Steve Clarke, who has been at the helm of Scottish football for nearly a decade now after taking over the reins in 2019.

There is no doubt admitting that Morocco were the better team against five-time world champions Brazil. After that brilliant start, they are one of the favourites now to top Group C. However, the work is not done yet and Scotland are a formidable side.

Ismael Salibari scored the first goal for Morocco in the last game, and the Atlas Lions had an impressive xG of 1.37 over Brazil in the last game.

They are led by Mohamed Ouahbi, the Belgian gaffer who has previously been at the helm of Morocco youth teams before getting promoted to the senior team recently.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
• Stadium: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
• Date: Friday, June 19
• Kick-off time: 11 p.m. BST [3:30 a.m. IST, Saturday, June 20 / 6 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Scotland (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-W

Morocco (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-D

Players to Watch

Andy Robertson (Scotland)

After spending almost a decade at Anfield, winning the Premier League twice under two different coaches and also winning the UEFA Champions League, the Scottish captain made a move recently to North London to join De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur.

With over 90 caps for the Scotland team, he is a dominating presence in the left flank and is arguably one of the best players in Scotland team currently.

He has immense experience playing against the best players in the world, and he will be keen to help Scotland secure a win over Morocco and guarantee their spot in the knockouts.

Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

The first African goalkeeper to register three clean sheets in a single World Cup edition, Bounou played a big role in propelling Morocco into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Born in Montreal, Canada, to Moroccan parents, Bounou has that European pedigree and has played in the Spanish top flight for nearly a decade with different teams like Real Zaragoza, Girona and Sevilla before making a move to Al Hilal.

He is the most reliable custodian Morocco could have asked for between the sticks and he will be eyeing a crucial clean sheet against Scotland in the next game.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Match Facts

• These two sides will meet each other at the World Cup for the second time ever.
• Morocco defeated Scotland 3-0 in the 1998 FIFA World Cup
• Salaheddine Bassir is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Scotland vs Morocco: Betting Tips and Odds

• Morocco to win the match – 8/11 with Betfred
• Ismael Saibari to score – 7/4 with Betfred
• Scotland 2-3 Morocco – 33/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Apart from Scott McKenna, who remains doubtful, there are not any injury concerns for Scotland, who will most likely field an unchanged eleven in the next game against Morocco.

Morocco are also expected to play the same team that held Brazil to a 1-1 draw. They are really strong in the right flank with captain Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 01

Scotland won: 00

Morocco won: 01

Games drawn: 00

Predicted Lineups

Scotland predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Angus Gunn (GK); Aaron Hickey, Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley, Andrew Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Ché Adams, Lawrence Shankland.

Morocco predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Yassine Bounou (GK); Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.

Match Prediction

We expect this game to be a high-scoring thriller. Scotland are a good side, but Morocco have a relatively stronger team and their bench strength looks good. We expect the Atlas Lions to win the next game against Scotland by a narrow margin.

Prediction: Scotland 2-3 Morocco

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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