Scotland will aim to grab another victory when they take on Afcon champions, Morocco at 11pm (UK time) on Friday.
The Tartan Army opened their 2026 World Cup account with a 1-0 victory over Haiti. It might not have been the most assured performance from Steve Clarke’s men but three points was the most important thing and gives Scotland a great chance of progressing.
Morocco were unable to win their opening game but they were up against a slightly different calibre of opponent in Brazil. Both sides seemed happy to settle for a 1-1 draw, knowing they both had more winnable matches ahead of them.
This fixture could be vital in determining who qualifies automatically from Group C. This will be the second meeting between these two nations, with Morocco running out 3-0 winners when they met at the 1998 World Cup.
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Scotland vs Morocco team news
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke made some decisive calls in Scotland’s first starting lineup at the World Cup. He opted to play Angus Gunn in goal, keeping veteran Craig Gordon on the bench. Gunn will almost certainly retain his place this week after producing several vital saves against Haiti.
With Gunn between the posts, Clarke deployed a solid back four. John Souttar and Scott McKenna formed the central defensive partnership. Aaron Hickey started at right-back, while captain Andy Robertson took his usual spot on the left. The midfield anchor duo of Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie provided essential cover.
Questions remain regarding Scotland’s attacking setup, however. Scott McTominay and John McGinn are guaranteed starters in advanced midfield roles. But Che Adams will hope to start as a lone striker against Morocco. That tactical shift would mean dropping Lawrence Shankland to the bench.
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Morocco team news
Mohamed Ouahbi made a bold statement with his first starting lineup at the World Cup. The manager selected 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi in central midfield ahead of seasoned veterans. He fully justified that faith against Brazil. The teenager looks certain to retain his place alongside Sofyan Amrabat this week.
With Bouaddi anchoring the midfield, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui operated effectively as attacking full-backs. Chadi Riad and Issa Diop formed a resolute central defensive partnership. Yassine Bounou took his familiar position in goal. The attacking trio of Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, and Bilal El Khannouss provided constant threat.
A tactical decision remains regarding the central striker role. Ayoub El Kaabi started against Brazil and worked tirelessly. But Abde Ezzalzouli will hope to earn a starting spot against Scotland. Ouahbi might prefer fresh legs to break down a stubborn Scottish defence.
Scotland vs Morocco predicted lineups
Scotland (4-2-3-1): Gunn; Hickey, McKenna, Souttar, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, McGinn; Adams
Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Bouaddi, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
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