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:
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Scotland vs Morocco LIVE
- Scotland behind against Morocco at World Cup after just 70 seconds | Live on ITV and STV
- '50 OFF THE BAR! Ismael Saibari hits post after Scotland penalty appeals [SCO 0-1 MAR]
- HALF TIME! Scotland grow into game but fail to land a shot on target [SCO 0-1 MAR]
- '2 GOAL! Saibari stuns Scots with opener after just 70 seconds [SCO 0-1 MAR]
- Travelling Tartan Army have drunk Boston bars dry and are out in force again
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:31 , Flo Clifford‘68: Ounahi cuts inside but Scotland win back possession, but can’t do anything with their next counter. Time for another drinks break.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:28 , Flo Clifford‘66: Robertson is furious as he concedes a free-kick and a booking for shoving over Hakimi.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:27 , Flo Clifford‘64: Much better from Scotland; Robertson latches onto a loose ball and squares it tidily to McTominay, who releases Christie... but he fires over.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:25 , Flo Clifford‘63: Hakimi side-steps Gannon-Doak and lets fly, but it sails wide.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:22 , Flo Clifford‘60: Confirmation that Tierney is off, hopefully just as a precaution, and Gannon-Doak is on.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:22 , Flo Clifford‘59: Break in play now as Tierney is receiving some medical attention. The camera pans to the worried faces of some Scottish fans.
Gannon-Doak is receiving some instructions on the sideline.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:19 , Jack Rathborn in Boston‘56: Hakimi appears to be aware of the hostile reception from the Tartan Army. That corner saw a pocket of red shirts whipped into a hysteria as the PSG full-back approached them. Whistles from the Scottish supporters, but Hakimi is relishing this stage and his role as Morocco's biggest threat to Scotland.
The Tartan Army are agitating for some encouragement, with Scotland unable to piece together a move and Bouaddi shoving Ferguson to the ground moments after his crunching tackle on Hakimi.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:18 , Flo Clifford‘55: Every touch Hakimi makes is being loudly booed by sections of the crowd. The Morocco captain will stand trial for rape, a French court confirmed mere hours before kick-off tonight.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:16 , Flo Clifford‘53: Gunn runs out to fall on and smother a Saibari attempt. Morocco are piling on the pressure here.
SAVE! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:15 , Flo Clifford‘52: Hakimi whips in the corner and El Khannouss gets an excellent header to it, with Gunn doing well to come across to the near post and palm it away!
El Aynaoui needs a new shirt after some argy-bargy in the box. It’s ripped to shreds, in fact.
OFF THE BAR! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:14 , Flo Clifford‘50: There was a bit of contact on that penalty shout, but no penalty seems fair.
Almost a second for Morocco! It’s Saibari again who latches onto a ball down the left flank - but Hendry does really well to slide in and put him off, with his attempt clattering off the crossbar and over!
PENALTY? Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:12 , Flo Clifford‘49: McGinn and Adams run forward and McGinn is brought down by El Aynaoui right by the edge of the box! The players scream for a penalty, but the referee isn’t interested. He’s been asked to delay by VAR.... no intervention, is the decision. McTominay and co can’t believe it.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:11 , Flo Clifford‘48: Steve Clarke has made no changes, so still no sign of Ben Gannon-Doak.
Tierney lofts in a throw-in... it’s worked out and Scotland thread some passes together before Brahim Diaz robs them.
SECOND HALF: Scotland 0-1 Morocco
00:08 , Flo CliffordAway we go with this second half. Can Scotland do anything to get back in this?
They have never won a match in a major tournament at which they’ve trailed at half-time, we’re informed by ITV. Oh dear.
HALF-TIME: Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:52 , Flo CliffordA better spell from Scotland to end that half but they were far, far too passive for most of it. Saibari’s 70th-second stunner is the difference but Morocco have looked a different league anyway, composed and classy throughout.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:48 , Flo Clifford‘45+2: This is Scotland’s best, possibly only good, spell of the entire half. Much more attacking intent and Tierney has a shot blocked as it thumps off a defender.
CHANCE! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:47 , Flo Clifford‘46: Patterson whips in a deep cross into the box, which Robertson picks up on the left flank and fizzes back to McGinn at the far post... he pokes it wide and over!
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:46 , Jack Rathborn in BostonThe biggest cheers of the half for Scotland: The fouls won in the final third after some naive challenges from Morocco. It's desperate stuff for Scotland and the respite is proving valuable, with Morocco moving the ball so quickly. McGinn, especially, is protecting the ball and baiting Mazraoui into dangling a leg. No joy from the set-piece, that needs more quality from Ferguson.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:45 , Flo Clifford‘44: Ferguson whips in a free-kick on the edge of the box; the delivery is great but Saibari gets his head to it before Hanley can.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:43 , Flo Clifford‘43: Scotland have a bit of possession and try to get Christie forward but run into traffic. It’s just not clicking.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:40 , Flo Clifford‘40: The free-kick goes nowhere as Hanley drifts offside.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:39 , Flo Clifford‘39: Scotland wanted a free-kick after McTominay was bundled over in the build-up, but are ignored. Ally McCoist is in disbelief at the set-piece not being given. El Aynaoui gets some treatment and gets up with tissue paper stuffed in his mouth to stem some bleeding.
Now Tierney is cleared out, and Scotland do now win a free-kick.
CHANCE! Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:37 , Flo Clifford‘36: Scotland string a few passes together, which is an improvement. Then Mazraoui cuts in down the left flank onto a fine through-ball but Scotland deal with it, only for El Khannouss to release Saibari with a diagonal pass that the goalscorer sends over the bar. Big let-off for Scotland.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:32 , Flo Clifford‘32: More warnings signs as Morocco break again... but Ferguson gets in ahead of El Aynaoui to avert catastrophe as he charges into the box, and the Moroccan shoves him over for his trouble.
Scotland 0-1 Morocco
23:31 , Flo Clifford‘30: Brahim Diaz makes a good run and links up with Saibari, who cuts it back... El Aynaoui runs into the centre to pick up the ball but leans back too far and skies it over the bar.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
