Scotland are bidding to put one foot in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in history, and our EA FC 26 match simulation has predicted the exact outcome of Friday's massive clash with Morocco.
Match Context
Scotland face a defining moment in their World Cup 2026 campaign with qualification from Group C within their grasp. The Tartan Army have waited decades for a World Cup win, and got their reward at last with the 1-0 victory over Haiti. But a second win against next opponents Morocco tonight (Friday, June 19) will write this team's names in the history books.
Steve Clarke's men sit atop Group C after the first round of matches, and victory will mean Scotland progress from the group stage of a World Cup for the very first time. But the African champions will prove much more formidable opposition than Haiti.
The Atlas Lions have already shown their class by holding Brazil to a draw, and will be looking to put themselves in the frame for qualification too. With so much at stake, we took to EA Sports FC 26's new The World's Game mode to try and predict the crunch encounter.
Simulation Details
The simulation, run by the Daily Record, backed Clarke to stick with the XI that overcame Haiti. In a 4-4-2 formation, Ryan Christie remained amongst the substitutes as Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland led the line.
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.
The opening stages were frantic. Azzedine Ounahi unlocked the Scottish defence after five minutes but Ayoub El Kaabi shot wide. Scotland responded instantly with two massive chances, as Shankland thumped a powerful strike against the post from 12 yards.
One minute later, Adams fired wide from distance, and on 23 minutes Ben Gannon-Doak cut in from the right wing to find Shankland, only for the forward to be denied by Yassine Bounou.
Despite Morocco dominating possession in the first half with 67 per cent of the ball, Scotland held a 5-4 edge on attempts on goal as the teams went into half-time goalless with a shot on target each.
Second Half Drama
The match exploded into life after 70 minutes, as El Kaabi left Grant Hanley stranded with a skilful turn. But he squandered the chance with a wayward shot and Scotland breathed a collective sigh of relief.
In the 73rd minute, Scotland blew a golden opportunity of their own. Substitute Ryan Christie, who had come on for Lewis Ferguson, was left holding his head in despair after failing to convert from a sublime Scottish move.
As the clock wound down, Morocco rattled the woodwork five minutes later. El Kaabi proved a menace once more, thundering a shot against the crossbar from close range after a slick team move saw Achraf Hakimi cut the ball back to the striker.
The ultimate drama was left for the dying seconds. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn emerged as Scotland's saviour, producing a stunning stop to deny Sunderland's Chemsdine Talbi with the final touch of the match.
Talbi's powerful effort looked destined to nestle in the bottom corner, but Gunn conjured an incredible stop to knock the ball clear before the referee brought an end to a breathless, goalless contest.
Four points from two games would heavily help Scotland's chances of reaching the second round under the new 48-team World Cup format. A final fixture against Brazil, however, is a daunting prospect and only a win keeps their fate in their own hands.
Final Result
Scotland 0 - 0 Morocco
Simulated stats:
- Possession: 32% - 68%
- Shots: 11 - 8
- On target: 3 - 3
- Expected Goals (xG): 2.3 - 2.2
