Scotland vs Morocco prediction 19.06.2026 | FIFA World Cup 2026

Steve Clarke's side opened their campaign with a narrow but valuable 1-0 win over Haiti. Midfielder John McGinn scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute, becoming the oldest Scotland player to score at a World Cup. The result extended Scotland's positive momentum following a strong qualification campaign that saw them return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. 

Scotland's defensive resilience is worth highlighting once again, as they have conceded just one goal across their last three competitive internationals. However, their attack generated relatively few clear-cut opportunities against Haiti, meaning greater creativity may be required against a technically superior Moroccan side that offers considerably more threat going forward.

Team news appears largely positive for Clarke. There have been no significant injury concerns reported following the Haiti match, although winger Ben Doak could find himself rotated after suggestions that Scotland may make tactical adjustments for the Morocco fixture.

Morocco arguably produced one of the standout performances of the opening round by holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari gave the Atlas Lions an early lead before Vinícius Júnior equalised for Brazil midway through the first half. Morocco remained organised throughout and created several dangerous opportunities of their own.

The draw continued Morocco's impressive record against elite opposition in recent years. Their tactical discipline, defensive structure and pace on the counter-attack were all evident against Brazil, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in international football.

Morocco currently sit second in Group C with one point and know that a victory here would put them in an excellent position heading into their final group match against Haiti.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi appears to have a fully available squad, with no major injury or suspension concerns emerging from the Brazil game. After such an encouraging performance, he is expected to retain the majority of the starting lineup.