Morocco strengthened their bid for a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a composed 1-0 victory over Scotland at Gillette Stadium, moving to the top of Group C.
An early strike from Ismael Saibari inside two minutes proved enough to separate the sides, as the Atlas Lions controlled possession, dictated the tempo and limited Scotland to very few meaningful chances throughout the contest.
Here are our player ratings from Morocco’s deserved victory.
Morocco Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou – 6/10
Had a relatively quiet evening but remained calm whenever Scotland ventured forward. Distributed the ball well and comfortably preserved another World Cup clean sheet.
Defence
Achraf Hakimi – 7/10
A constant outlet down the right flank, combining defensive discipline with dangerous forward runs.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5/10
One of Morocco’s most composed performers. Controlled possession intelligently, timed his forward movements perfectly and defended with confidence throughout.
Chadi Riad – 6.5/10
Solid alongside Diop and rarely looked troubled by Scotland’s attack.
Issa Diop – 6/10
A disciplined display that helped keep Scotland’s forwards quiet for the full ninety minutes.
Midfield
Brahim Diaz – 8/10 ⭐
Morocco’s creative engine.
Produced the assist for Saibari’s early goal and consistently unlocked Scotland’s defensive shape with clever movement, accurate passing and confident dribbling.
Azzedine Ounahi – 7/10
Controlled possession well and helped Morocco dominate the midfield battle.
Neil El Aynaoui – 7/10
Worked tirelessly both in and out of possession while providing balance alongside Ounahi.
Ayyoub Bouaddi – 6.5/10
A composed performance that kept Morocco’s midfield organised.
Bilal El Khannouss – 6.5/10
Showed flashes of quality and linked play effectively in advanced areas.
Attack
Ismael Saibari – 8.5/10 ⭐ Player of the Match
The PSV attacker decided the contest almost immediately with a brilliant finish after just two minutes.
His movement behind Scotland’s defence caused constant problems, while his link-up play and intelligent positioning made him Morocco’s biggest attacking threat throughout the evening.
Substitutes
- Soufiane Rahimi – 5/10
- Chemsdine Talbi – 5.5/10
- Ayoube Amaimouni Echghouyab – N/A
- Samir El Mourabet – N/A
Scotland Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Angus Gunn – 6.5/10
Could do little about Saibari’s early strike and remained dependable for the remainder of the match, preventing Morocco from increasing their advantage.
Defence
Jack Hendry – 7.5/10
Scotland’s standout defender.
Made several important recoveries, blocked dangerous efforts and battled well against Morocco’s attackers.
Grant Hanley – 6.5/10
Reliable in defensive situations and dealt well with aerial balls without taking unnecessary risks.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Produced a disciplined defensive performance before leaving the pitch through injury midway through the second half.
Nathan Patterson – 5.5/10
Found life difficult against Morocco’s pace and creativity on the flank.
Andy Robertson – 5.5/10
Unable to influence the game going forward and spent much of the evening dealing with Morocco’s dangerous attacks.
Midfield
John McGinn – 7/10
Scotland’s most committed performer.
Worked tirelessly, battled for every loose ball and attempted to carry his team forward despite limited attacking support.
Lewis Ferguson – 6.5/10
Helped Scotland retain possession at times but struggled to create meaningful chances.
Scott McTominay – 5.5/10
Largely occupied with defensive responsibilities and rarely managed to influence the match in attacking areas.
Ryan Christie – 5/10
Unable to impose himself before being substituted in the second half.
Attack
Che Adams – 4.5/10
An isolated evening for Scotland’s striker.
Received little service, failed to register a serious attempt on goal and struggled against Morocco’s organised defence.
Substitutes
- Ben Gannon-Doak – 5.5/10
- Lyndon Dykes – 5/10
- Kenny McLean – 6/10
- Tony Ralston – N/A
- Ross Stewart – N/A
Player of the Match
🥇 Ismael Saibari (Morocco) – 8.5/10
His early goal settled the contest, while his intelligent movement, pace and creativity constantly stretched Scotland’s defence. The PSV forward delivered another outstanding World Cup performance and was the driving force behind Morocco’s second consecutive positive result.
Final Verdict
Morocco produced another mature and controlled display to defeat Scotland and climb to the top of Group C.
Ismael Saibari’s early strike proved decisive, but the victory was built on collective organisation, midfield control and disciplined defending. Scotland battled throughout but struggled to create clear-cut chances, leaving Steve Clarke’s side facing a crucial final group match to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
