Scotland continue their World Cup adventure as they face a crucial clash with Morocco in Boston.
The Tartan Army were out in force in the city as Steve Clarke’s side celebrated their return to the tournament with a 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening fixture. While an imperfect performance, three valuable points leave the knockout rounds well within reach – though the task gets significantly tougher against a talented team that were semi-finalists four years ago.
A 1-1 draw with Brazil came as something of a disappointment given how the North African side controlled much of the action, and they will go top of Group C with a victory here that would book their own place in the last-32. There will be hope – and perhaps even expectation – of a better showing within the Scottish support as they seek another famous World Cup night.
Follow all of the latest with our live blog below:
Read MoreIs a draw enough for Scotland against Morocco to qualify for World Cup knockout stage?
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Scotland vs Morocco LIVE
- Scotland behind against Morocco at World Cup after just 71 seconds | Live on ITV and STV
- '2 GOAL! Ismael Saibari stuns Scots with opener after just 71 seconds [SCO 0-1 MAR]
- Travelling Tartan Army have drunk Boston bars dry and will be out in force again
- Steve Clarke shakes up team with Ryan Christie, Nathan Patterson and Kieran Tierney starting
- Lawrence Shankland, Aaron Hickey and Ben Gannon-Doak make way after 1-0 win over Haiti
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:28 , Flo Clifford‘27: Wonder if Scotland or their fans will appreciate the somewhat on-the-nose music choice, as Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ plays out during the break.
Now onto the second half of this half...
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:26 , Jack Rathborn in BostonScotland needed that, yes, the hydration break, but also that foul, a precious moment of respite as Diop's clumsy challenge sent Adams tumbling.
Combined with the hydration break, Clarke is desperately attempting to banish the panic in his side. They need to keep the ball better or this could get away from them quickly.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:25 , Flo Clifford‘24: Diop gets the first booking of the game for a cynical pull-back on Adams. Scotland have a free-kick in a central position but deep in the middle of the park. Ferguson’s delivery is volleyed away by Mazraoui.
Scotland may be relieved as it’s time for the hydration/advertisement break (delete as appropriate).
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:22 , Flo Clifford‘20: Morocco continue to press forward with ease. Hakimi recycles the ball and lets fly a long-range effort from deep on the right, which is straight into Gunn’s grateful arms.
SAVE! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:19 , Flo Clifford‘18: More slack defending but Gunn makes a brilliant save as Hakimi looks to make it 2-0; the Moroccan toe-pokes the ball at close range but Gunn sticks out his right boot to avert disaster.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:17 , Flo Clifford‘16: Hanley tries to get the ball forward to Adams, who has got a lot of chasing to do today in a rather lonely role up front. Then there’s a bit of a mess in the middle of the park as possession is nearly lost but Patterson rescues the situation.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:14 , Jack Rathborn in BostonScotland are frantic and there's no serenity to this team in or out of possession. Morocco are having joy down the flanks, despite Scotland's bank of five in front of the back four. It's messy in the midfield too, with legs tangling and Scotland too often finding themselves ahead of the ball.
CLOSE! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:12 , Flo Clifford‘11: Perilously close to a second! Morocco win the ball back, Ounahi cuts it across goal through Hendry’s legs but Saibari is a yard or two too far ahead of the ball and Scotland scramble clear.
Moments later Saibari links up with El Khannouss in the box and Scotland are really playing with fire here. So shaky at the back.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:08 , Flo Clifford‘7: Christie makes an industrious run forward but is crowded out on the edge of the box. Morocco look comfortable and more than up for this.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:06 , Jack Rathborn in BostonA nightmare start for Scotland here, barely 71 seconds in and Morocco have the lead, Ismael Saibari slipping in behind down that right side. And the ball sits up nicely, but the finish is rifled into the top left corner. The Moroccan fans here erupt in delight, the Tartan Army statuesque now in the far end. A horrible start for Scotland and a mountain to climb.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:05 , Flo Clifford‘3: 71 seconds on the clock before that goal was scored, according to ITV commentary. Steve Clarke doesn’t look impressed. Onto Plan B already...
GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:03 , Flo Clifford‘2: A stunning opener for Morocco and a disastrous start for Scotland!
A long ball foward by Brahim Diaz finds Saibari, who scored against Brazil, on the right side of the box; Hanley doesn’t stick to his man and Saibari takes a touch and absolutely leathers it into the top corner!
Scotland v Morocco
23:01 , Jack Rathborn in BostonThe moment is here then, Scotland on the bring of securing a first World Cup knockout match in their history. And what a call from Steve Clarke, opting for Kieran Tierney and shifting to a 4-5-1, it's a narrow five, too.
Can Tierney bring that width? They may need to suffer here and there is not an obvious outlet in the shape of Ben Gannon-Doak either. Clarke may be looking to keep things tight before unleashing him later on.
KICK-OFF: Scotland v Morocco
23:00 , Flo CliffordAway we go!
Scotland v Morocco
22:57 , Flo CliffordAfter a rousing rendition of both anthems it’s nearly time for kick-off... although nearly all of the games have kicked off rather fashionably late so far.
Steve Clarke tells ITV:
22:55 , Flo Clifford“A few rotations just to freshen it up. We’re going to need a big shift tonight so it’s good to get some fresh faces in. Someone like Ben [Gannon Doak] coming off the bench can be really valuable in the second half.
“Morocco are one of the favourites for the tournament. They’ll be in the last four again. We have to be as good as we can be with and without the ball. It’s a big ask, but they’re ready.”
Scotland v Morocco
22:53 , Flo CliffordThe teams are walking out into bright sunshine in Boston. Only a few minutes to go...
Team news reminder
22:52 , Flo CliffordScotland XI: Gunn, Patterson, Hanley, Hendry, Tierney, Robertson, Ferguson, Christie, McGinn, McTominay, Adams
Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
USA v Australia referee Felix Zwayer pulls up with cramp towards end of World Cup match
22:39 , Flo CliffordSome bizarre news from tonight’s earlier kick-off: experienced World Cup referee Felix Zwayer pulled up with cramp towards the end of the USA’s win over Australia in Seattle.
The German official, 45, required help from both the USA’s Folarin Balogun and Australia's Aiden O'Neill, who stretched out his left leg after Zwayer fell to the turf.
Zwayer had just brandished a flurry of yellow cards at the end of what was a dominant victory for the USA at Lumen Field.
USA v Australia referee pulls up with cramp towards end of World Cup match
Chance to avenge 1998
22:32 , Flo CliffordAs has been oft reported this is Scotland’s first appearance at a World Cup since 1998 - when they also faced Morocco.
They’ll have the chance to avenge some heartbreak tonight as a 3-0 defeat in Group A, Scotland’s last match of the group stage, condemned them to an early exit - although Morocco failed to make it into the knockout rounds either due to other results.
Tartan Army sing Loch Lomond at Boston Stadium
22:26 , Jack Rathborn in BostonThe Tartan Army are loud here in Boston, a rousing version of Loch Lomond rings around the stadium.
It’s filling up with just over half an hour until kick-off.
As the Scotland players came out to warm up a little earlier, most sprinted over to their half.
But Ben Gannon-Doak, starting on the bench, took a moment, saying a little prayer to himself and pointing to the Foxborough sky.
The secret Scotland weapon who could hold key to World Cup hopes
22:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleBen Gannon-Doak was one of Scotland’s most impressive performers against Haiti. Chris Wilson believes he could be key to their chances as the tournament progresses - although he was dropped to the bench as Scotland prepare to face Morocco.
The secret Scotland weapon who could hold key to World Cup hopes
Hanley and Christie move up all-time rankings
22:19 , Flo CliffordSteve Clarke’s selection of Grant Hanley and Ryan Christie in tonight’s starting XI sees the pair move into joint-11th on the all-time appearances list for Scotland, shuffling above Kenny Miller and David Weir, as they win their 70th caps.
Scotland v Morocco
22:06 , Flo Clifford
'No Scotland, No Party'
21:55 , Jack Rathborn in BostonScotland's squad are out on the pitch at the Boston Stadium, a smattering of applause and whistles from the Tartan Army who have settled into their seats early.
A watching brief from those players out there, gazing into the nose bleeds, where there is a St Andrew's Cross attached to almost every section of seats.
The concourse at the end of the Lighthouse is already packed out with a few renditions of 'No Scotland, No Party.'
At the opposite end, Morocco fans are starting make some noise, but the Scots drown that out after Bruce Channel's 'Hey! Baby' echoes around the Boston Stadium
Team news
21:49 , Flo CliffordSteve Clarke has made three changes from the 1-0 win over Haiti, with Lawrence Shankland, Aaron Hickey and Ben Gannon-Doak all dropped in favour of Ryan Christie, Nathan Patterson and Kieran Tierney.
That midfield reshuffle means it looks like Scotland will be fielding a 5-4-1 formation rather than 4-4-2.
Morocco make no changes from their 1-1 draw with Brazil.
Team news - Morocco
21:42 , Jack RathbornMorocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) June 19, 2026
Team news - Scotland
21:38 , Flo CliffordScotland XI: Gunn, Patterson, Hanley, Hendry, Tierney, Robertson, Ferguson, Christie, McGinn, McTominay, Adams
Substitutes: Kelly, Gordon, Hickey, Fletcher, Dykes, Stewart, Souttar, Hyam, Gannon-Doak, Hirst, Shankland, McLean, Ralston, Curtis, McKenna
🔢 Tonight’s team news 🏴 #SCOMAR | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Tocd0cvmup
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 19, 2026
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England, Argentina and France make statements after round one
21:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWho is going to win this World Cup? Will Castle has had a go at power ranking the top 10 contenders after the opening round of fixtures.
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will win the World Cup?
21:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe one thing Scotland could yet rue about long-awaited World Cup win over Haiti
21:00 , Flo CliffordScotland earned a first World Cup success for 36 years – but escaping a tricky group may now be tough after a 1-0 win against Haiti, writes Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly as attention turns to the next mission for Steve Clarke’s side.
The one thing Scotland could yet rue about long-awaited World Cup win over Haiti
Fans arrive in Foxborough
20:45 , Flo Clifford
Could the Boston wind play in Scotland's favour?
20:30 , Jack Rathborn in BostonThe long and crawling road towards Foxborough has seen Scotland and Morocco fans opting to walk towards the stadium. The traditional yellow school buses, with members of the Tartan Army hanging out the windows, another sign of the fanbase’s creative approach to keeping costs down. Dozens walking on sidewalks that slink around these busy roads that wrap around Gillette Stadium, while some fans are enjoying a kick about in the car parks that line Providence Highway.
It’s sweltering out there at 26C and likely to be a factor in tonight’s game. But one Scotland fan tells me the Boston wind swirling around is their advantage: “The Moroccans won’t be as used to playing in the wind as us.”
USA vs Australia LIVE
20:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to the build-up to today’s second helping of World Cup action in a moment, but it’s all kicking off between the USA and Australia in Seattle. You can follow LIVE coverage of that fascinating encounter here:
USA v Australia LIVE: World Cup latest score and updates as Pulisic ruled out
Tartan Army out in full force
20:00 , Jack Rathborn in BostonThe Scots have taken over Boston and kilts abound around North Station; they look set to outnumber the Moroccans, who had an immense presence against Brazil in New York.
Plenty of drinks flowing, while the Scots appears eager to sample the local delicacies, too, with plenty of navy and peach pink tops in the queues for oysters.
The talk among the Tartan Army is increasingly confident too, the wave of joy has outweighed any trauma from the past and missing out on qualification to the knockout phase on goal difference.
A point will almost certainly do it for Steve Clarke’s men today.
Group C fixtures
19:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are two more encounters in Group C today, with the clash between Brazil and Haiti following the conclusion to proceedings here.
Brazil 1-1 Morocco, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Haiti 0-1 Scotland, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
19 June, 11pm: Scotland v Morocco, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
20 June, 1:30am: Brazil v Haiti, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
24 June, 11pm: Scotland v Brazil, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
24 June, 11pm: Morocco v Haiti, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
World Cup 2026 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
19:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are plenty of Scottish shirts on show in Boston today – and a few Morocco jerseys, too. Where did they rank in Lawrence Ostlere’s definitive list of kits before the tournament?
World Cup 2026 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
The irony of a World Cup in Trump’s America? The most multinational tournament of all-time
19:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAfter the first round of group games provide moments of high euphoria for minnow countries, Miguel Delaney takes a look at why, this time, smaller countries are benefiting from western European wealth:
The irony of a World Cup in Trump’s America? The most multinational tournament ever
Christian Pulisic ruled out of USA v Australia
19:00 , Flo CliffordBreaking news from tonight’s 8pm clash: Christian Pulisic is out due to the calf injury he picked up during the win against Paraguay.
That’s a huge blow for co-hosts the USA, given how well Pulisic played in their opening 4-1 win. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place.
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic is unavailable during an interview with Fox Sports, but sounded optimistic that he’ll be back soon...
“The evolution is [going] really well. Today he was training in the morning in the camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.
“We have ahead a very important game and Australia is going to be really tough. [But] a little bit sad because he wanted to stay, he wanted to participate today.”
Why Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at the right time for fractious Australia
18:45 , Flo CliffordThe first match this evening sees the US takes on Australia, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Alan Smith writes that a Socceroos squad from diverse backgrounds has broken through just as Australia’s far-right, anti-immigration party surges in the polls – the timing might be perfect.
More here:
Why Socceroos’ World Cup breakthrough has come at right time for fractious Australia
Morocco World Cup star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case after losing appeal
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAchraf Hakimi is likely to start for Morocco tonight, but there has been news about his court case in France today:
Morocco World Cup star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial in rape case
WATCH: Tartan Army leaves Boston on boat ahead of Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland supporters are providing plenty of colour at this World Cup. We’ve got Jack Rathborn amongst them in Boston today – hopefully staying well hydrated in the heat before heading out to the stadium in nearby Foxborough.
Vinicius Jr is Brazil’s cheat code but Morocco show what’s missing under Carlo Ancelotti
17:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleMorocco, meanwhile, are on the board with a point that perhaps should have been more against Brazil. Semi-finalists four years ago, they look impressive again:
Vinicius Jr is Brazil’s cheat code but Morocco show what’s missing
Scotland fans drink Boston bars dry as Tartan army descends for World Cup
17:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Scotland fans have certainly endeared themselves to the bar owners of Boston over the last couple of weeks – let us hope some more stock has been sourced ahead of what could be another heavy night:
Scotland fans drink Boston bars dry as Tartan army descends for World Cup
Scotland vs Morocco LIVE
14:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland are ready to continue their World Cup adventure as the Tartan army again descends on Boston for a meeting with Morocco. A 1-0 win over Haiti may not have provided a performance, perhaps, to savour, but three points represented a huge step towards the knockout rounds for Steve Clarke’s side.
This, though, should be a tougher fixture. Kick off is at 11pm BST/6pm ET.
