2026 FIFA World Cup: Ismael Saibari's record-breaking strike fires Morocco past Scotland
Morocco moved to the summit of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Scotland 1-0 in a fiercely contested encounter at Boston Stadium on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions needed just 71 seconds to make their mark, with Ismael Saibari producing the fastest goal of the tournament so far to secure a vital victory and strengthen Morocco’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Fresh from an impressive 1-1 draw against tournament favourites Brazil, Morocco entered the clash brimming with confidence. Scotland, meanwhile, were looking to build on their opening-day 1-0 win over Haiti.
It was the North Africans who made the perfect start. Saibari latched onto an early opportunity and calmly found the back of the net less than two minutes after kickoff, handing Morocco an immediate advantage.
The goal was the PSV Eindhoven midfielder’s second of the tournament, having also scored Morocco’s lone goal in their draw against Brazil.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men controlled large spells of the first half and created opportunities to increase their lead. However, a combination of wasteful finishing and resilient Scottish defending ensured the score remained unchanged heading into the break.
Scotland emerged with greater urgency in the second half and twice appealed for penalties. The first came when John McGinn went down inside the area, only for the referee to dismiss the claims.
The Scots were left frustrated again in the 82nd minute when Scott McTominay tumbled under a challenge from Neil El Aynaoui. Despite loud appeals from the players and supporters, the referee waved play on.
Steve Clarke’s side continued to search for an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to trouble the Moroccan goalkeeper, failing to register a shot on target throughout the contest.
Morocco nearly added a second goal late on but could not find the finishing touch. Nevertheless, the early strike from Saibari proved decisive as the Atlas Lions held firm to secure a hard-earned three points.
The result lifts Morocco to the top of Group C with four points, while Scotland remain second on three points.
Attention now turns to the final round of group fixtures on Wednesday, June 24. Morocco will face Haiti knowing a positive result could seal their place in the last 16, while Scotland take on Brazil in what promises to be a defining battle for qualification.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
