Published June 20, 2026
Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup in just 71 seconds as Morocco edged Scotland 1-0 and moved closer to qualifying for the knockout stages.
Saibari scored in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw with Brazil last weekend, and his clinical finish with just over a minute remaining sealed a fierce physical battle at Boston Stadium on Friday.
64,146 fans packed into the venue in Massachusetts, USA.
The 25-year-old, born in Spain and raised in Belgium, is reportedly close to a $63 million move from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich.
The quality of his strikes above goalkeeper Angus Gunn showed why he was attracting so much interest and spoke to Scotland’s lack of similar quality in the opposition box. This also explains why Morocco is ranked 5th in the world and Scotland 40th.
With four points from two games, Morocco are poised to qualify for the last 32, aiming to at least match their historic record of reaching the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.
But it was a sobering night for Scotland and its legion of fans who occupied Boston during this World Cup. The Scottish team never really tested Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou.
Last weekend’s 1-0 win over Haiti in the opening match at the same stadium, their first World Cup victory since 1990, gave them a foothold and reason to believe they could advance beyond the group stage of a World Cup for the first time.
A win here would have ensured that they would advance from Group C, but the possibility of further progress is still up in the air as they prepare for their next match against Brazil in Miami next Wednesday.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabi kept his starting lineup the same as in the match against Brazil, but his opponent’s number one, Steve Clarke, made three changes.
Clark looked to strengthen their defence, with striker Lawrence Shankland coming on as a substitute and defender Kieran Tierney moving into the side to form the back five.
However, it was of little use as Morocco took the lead virtually from the kick-off.
The assist came from Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, with Grant Hanley playing Saibari onside, who grabbed the ball over the top, controlled it and smashed it high into the goal.
Morocco, who won 3-0 against Scotland in the 1998 World Cup, threatened to overwhelm their opponents every time they came forward, but it went to waste as Bilal El Kanous missed a good opportunity in the 36th minute.
Scotland were as sluggish in attack as ever and it took until first-half stoppage time to create any dangerous chances.
It was a cross from skipper Andy Robertson from the left, but John McGinn could do nothing and the opening period ended without Benou having to make a save.
Morocco had a shot five minutes into the second half when Saibari connected with El Cannous’s cut-back, but his shot was deflected over the bar by Jack Hendry.
Moments later, Gan made a superb stop to deny El Cannous a header from Hakimi’s corner kick, but was regularly booed by the crowd.
Still, Morocco looked content to watch the game and absorb whatever Scotland threw at them.
Ryan Christie’s shot from Scott McTominay in the 64th minute found the side netting late on, but Scotland’s goal remained elusive.
Morocco will play Haiti in Atlanta on Wednesday, while Scotland will face Brazil in Miami.
Why was Achraf Hakimi booed?
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was added to the starting lineup just hours after it was confirmed that he will stand trial in France for rape.
Scottish fans booed loudly every time Hakimi’s name was read out and every time he touched the ball during the match.
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender said in a statement earlier in the day that he was facing trial on rape charges and welcomed the chance to set his record straight.
Hakimi had appealed the transfer to criminal court.
French media earlier reported that the Versailles Court of Appeal had rejected the appeal, paving the way for a trial in a criminal court at some point in the future.
“Today, a story that is not mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life and above all the truth. Sometimes I feel like I have become an easy target,” Hakimi wrote in a post on social media platform X.
“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one, and now I’m looking forward to it. I can finally speak out.”
