Morocco Defeats Scotland as Saibari Impresses Again and Hakimi Faces Jeers

Morocco secured a crucial victory over Scotland in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, with midfielder Saibari once again finding the net and maintaining his impressive form. The match, held in front of over 64,000 spectators, saw Morocco establish dominance early, capitalizing on their aggressive play and technical superiority.

Saibari, who is reportedly close to finalizing a move to FC Bayern Munich after passing a medical examination, wasted no time in putting his team ahead. Scoring in just the second minute, he provided Morocco with a perfect start. This follows his goal in the previous match against Brazil, highlighting his growing influence on the international stage and capturing the attention of major European clubs.

The early lead gave Morocco a strong psychological edge, especially with prominent figures such as Pep Guardiola and FIFA President Gianni Infantino watching from the stands. Scotland, meanwhile, struggled to gain a foothold in the match, finding it difficult to maintain possession under Morocco's persistent pressing. The North African side's tactical discipline kept Scotland contained, preventing them from creating meaningful opportunities for much of the first half.

It was only during stoppage time before the break that Scotland threatened, with John McGinn managing their first real chance of the match. However, Morocco had already created several opportunities to extend their lead, demonstrating greater attacking intent and creativity. Despite their dominance, Morocco's finishing let them down, with several promising situations failing to result in goals.

A key storyline during the match was the reception of Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi. The defender, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, was met with boos from sections of the crowd whenever he touched the ball. This reaction came after news broke hours before kickoff that Hakimi would be appearing in court in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct. Hakimi has publicly denied all charges. The off-pitch situation did not seem to affect his defensive contributions during the match, as he remained an integral part of Morocco's back line.

The second half saw an increase in physical play, with the referee frequently halting the action due to minor fouls from both sides. Morocco remained the more threatening team in attack. Saibari nearly doubled his tally when his shot was deflected onto the crossbar, emphasizing Morocco's continued pressure. Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn was called upon to make crucial saves, particularly against Bilal El Khannouss, as Scotland's defense was repeatedly tested.

Despite numerous opportunities, Morocco was unable to capitalize fully, with their efficiency in front of goal emerging as a persistent issue. Nevertheless, they managed the game well in the final stages, holding on to their slender lead and limiting Scotland's chances of an equalizer. The Moroccan defense remained organized, ensuring the team collected all three points as the final whistle blew.

Looking ahead, Morocco enters the last round of group matches as favorites to progress, with their next opponent being Haiti. Scotland faces a challenging task as they prepare to meet Brazil, hoping for a positive result to keep their tournament hopes alive. The group remains competitive, but Morocco's strong performances place them in a commanding position.