Morocco edges Scotland 1-0 to tighten grip on World Cup knockout spot

Morocco moved to the brink of the 2026 World Cup round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Monday night. The Lions of the Atlas, who had already held Brazil to a 1-1 draw six days earlier in Los Angeles, collected three points that put them four points clear of second place in Group B with one game remaining. Amine Adli’s 74th-minute strike, set up by Ayoub El Kaabi, sealed the narrow victory after a cagey first half that saw few clear chances.

Scotland, playing without suspended striker Lyndon Dykes, struggled to generate rhythm and managed just two shots on target all game. Their best chance fell to Ryan Porteous in the 61st minute, but Yassine Bounou denied him with a sharp save. Morocco, meanwhile, soaked up pressure and relied on counter-attacks to stay in front until the decisive goal.

The result keeps Morocco on track for a knockout-stage berth and extends their unbeaten run against European sides in this World Cup cycle. ” Morocco’s defensive organization under Regragui has been a cornerstone of their campaign. The Atlas Lions conceded just one goal in their first two matches—both against top-tier opponents—while scoring three.

Their backline, marshaled by veteran defender Romain Saïss, absorbed relentless pressure, particularly in the second half when Scotland pushed for an equalizer. The tactical discipline displayed in Foxborough mirrored their performance against Brazil, where they absorbed early waves of attacks before exploiting set pieces. The win also underscored Morocco’s growing influence in CONCACAF-hosted World Cup matches.

for the Atlas Lions, following the stalemate with Brazil in Los Angeles. The travel logistics and unfamiliar conditions added another layer of challenge, yet Morocco adapted seamlessly, leveraging their experience in North American competitions to maintain composure under pressure. The Foxborough victory highlighted Morocco’s ability to grind out results in hostile environments.

Their defensive structure, built around quick transitions and disciplined pressing triggers, forced Scotland into low-percentage long balls and speculative crosses. The Atlas Lions’ midfield pivot of Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss shielded the defense while dictating tempo, allowing Morocco to control the game’s rhythm despite limited possession. Morocco’s path to the knockout stages now hinges on avoiding complacency.

With a four-point cushion and Norway—ranked 42nd in FIFA’s latest standings—up next, the Lions of the Atlas have the luxury of prioritizing fitness and sharpness over desperation. A draw would suffice for top spot, but Regragui’s side has shown they’re not content with merely qualifying; they’re playing to impose their style and build momentum for deeper runs. What’s next: Morocco face Norway in their final group-stage match on Friday in New York, with a draw or win securing top spot in the group and a guaranteed place in the round of 16. Read at NewsData.io