By OkayGoal 
Scotland stand on the verge of sealing qualification from Group C when they face 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Friday.
The Atlas Lions, meanwhile, know that victory could see them leapfrog the Scots and tighten the race for progression from a tightly contested group.
In this article, we preview the high-stakes Group C clash as the 2026 World Cup group stage enters round two.
Match News and Current Form
Scotland have made an impressive return to the World Cup stage after a long absence since 1998, putting themselves in a strong position in Group C with a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening match.
That victory has left them on the brink of qualification, although history still works against them. Scotland have never won more than one match at a single major tournament, meaning they must break new ground to secure back-to-back wins here for the first time.
However, optimism is growing within the squad, boosted by strong form in competitive matches, with eight wins from their last 11 (W8, D1, L2), alongside the passionate support of the travelling Tartan Army.
Morocco also arrive in confident mood after opening their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brazil. That result extended their impressive competitive record built on a perfect qualification cycle (W8), as well as recent continental success including Arab Cup and Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.
The Atlas Lions are also chasing history, as they aim to extend their unbeaten run in World Cup group-stage matches. They have already gone five games without defeat in the group stage (W2, D3), the longest such run by any African nation.
Head-to-Head History
This will be only the second World Cup meeting between Scotland and Morocco.
Their previous encounter came in the 1998 group stage, where Morocco claimed a 3-0 victory.
Morocco have also performed well historically against European opposition at the World Cup, going unbeaten in five of their last six group-stage matches against UEFA teams (W2, D3).
Hot Stats and Trends
Scotland have shown attacking firepower in recent months, scoring three or more goals in five of their last eight victories.
However, their matches have generally been tight, with just one of their last five games producing goals from both teams.
Morocco, on the other hand, have built their success on defensive discipline, conceding a first-half goal in just one of their last 25 matches.
Their recent victories have also been marked by control and efficiency, with six of their last seven wins coming via clean sheets in regulation time.
Key Players to Watch and Team News
John McGinn continues to be a key figure for Scotland, having scored 21 goals under manager Steve Clarke. One more goal would see him become the highest-scoring player under a single Scotland manager.
For Morocco, Achraf Hakimi stood out in their opening draw against Brazil, leading his team in multiple categories including chances created, tackles, fouls won, and duels won. He also registered the joint-most shots in the match, highlighting his all-round influence from defence.
Scotland’s Scott McKenna remains a doubt after only making the bench in the opening game due to a minor knock.
Morocco, meanwhile, reports no fresh injury concerns heading into this crucial Group C encounter.
Match Details
The World Cup 2026 Group C fixture between Scotland and Morocco will take place on Friday, June 19, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 GMT.
Morocco will be determined to secure a win after that opening draw against Brazil.