Scotland will play Morocco on Friday, June 19, in Boston in a pivotal Group C World Cup match [1, 2]. Scotland opened the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Haiti on June 17, their first World Cup win in 36 years [1, 2]. Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith said players are more relaxed after that win and expects them to be more settled for the Morocco game. “We have ticked a few boxes and now have a win at a World Cup group stage. We have points,” Naismith said. “I would expect everybody to be a bit more relaxed on Friday” [1].
Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup along with Portugal and Spain, drew 1-1 with five-time world champions Brazil in their opening Group C match on June 17 [1, 2]. Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals four years ago, defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal en route [1, 2]. Their current coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, took over three months ago after leading Morocco to Under-20 World Cup success last year [1, 2].
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently switched allegiance from France’s youth teams to Morocco, impressed in the draw against Brazil [1, 2].
Scotland must earn at least a draw against Morocco to avoid facing Brazil in a decisive final group match [1, 2]. The outcome in Boston will therefore be crucial in shaping the Group C standings and who advances to the knockout stages.