Scotland versus Morocco simulation predicts late Angus Gunn World Cup heroics. Steve Clarke's men face a nerve-shredding World Cup battle in Boston as our EA FC 26 simulation predicts plenty of drama and 93rd-minute heroics from goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Scotland vs Morocco World Cup 2026 Clash Simulated by EA FC 26
After a nervy opening to matters at the 2026 World Cup, Scotland are up and running but now face a sterner test. The 1-0 win against Haiti, a victory 36 years in the making, put Scotland top of Group C. But now a much sterner test awaits Steve Clarke's men in the form of a well-drilled yet technical Morocco side. The Atlas Lions held Brazil to a draw, even taking the lead against one of the tournament favourites.
The Tartan Army, who have taken over Boston, will surely face another nerve-shredding fixture on Friday, June 19 when Scotland go in underdogs against the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. We took to EA Sports FC 26 to try and predict how the match will go. If the simulation is anything close to reality, predictions of a nail-biter are bang on. But one man makes himself a hero in dramatic fashion – here is how it went.
Simulation Details
Our simulation chose not to second guess Clarke's line-up, instead sticking with the same XI that beat Haiti in their Group C opener. In a 4-4-2 shape, this meant Ryan Christie remained on the bench while Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland resumed their strike partnership.
Scotland predicted starting XI vs Morocco: Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Andy Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland.
Almost immediately, the game sought to prove it would be anything but dull. Some of the game's best chances fell in the opening minutes as both sides demonstrated their attacking prowess. After just five minutes, Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi played in veteran forward Ayoub El Kaabi. But the Moroccan shot well wide despite being found in plenty of space. Two minutes later, Scotland rattled the woodwork. From 12 yards, Shankland thumped the Moroccan post and Adams followed this up 60 seconds later with a poor shot wide from range.
Shankland was denied once again after 23 minutes, this time by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after Ben Gannon-Doak's darting run off the touchline opened up space for the forward inside the box. Both teams huffed and puffed but the scoreline remained untouched at half-time. Morocco sought to control the game with two-thirds of the possession, but Scotland had out-shot the African side by five to four – although only one shot for each side was on target.
Second Half Drama
A win here would practically guarantee a place in the knockout rounds for the first time ever. The historic occasion did not appear to be lost on the virtual Scottish side, as they battled admirably against opponents determined to patiently retain the ball. There was little of note until the final 20 minutes, in which the match truly came alive. El Kaabi turned Grant Hanley masterfully to find space in the box, but shot well wide in what was a wasted effort.
In the 73rd minute, it was Scotland's turn to spurn an opportunity. Substitute Ryan Christie, on for Lewis Ferguson, had his head in his hands after failing to capitalise on a lovely Scotland move. With time running out, Morocco hit the frame of the goal five minutes later. El Kaabi was once again the danger man, crashing against the bar from point-blank range after a sweeping move led to Achraf Hakimi squaring it to the forward.
Late Heroics
The drama did not end there. With the very last touch of the game, goalkeeper Angus Gunn was the hero for Scotland when he denied Sunderland's Chemsdine Talbi with a brilliant save. Talbi's well-hit strike seemed destined for the bottom corner, but Gunn's outstretched hand managed to claw it away and out of the area before the referee called time on a thrilling, but goalless, encounter.
Should this simulated fixture become reality, the Tartan Army will have to wait to be sure of Scotland's qualification to the Second Round. But four points should be enough to ensure the finest moment in Scotland's World Cup history in the new 48-team format.
Scotland vs Morocco Final Result Predicted by EA FC 26
Scotland 0 – 0 Morocco
