Steve Clarke has backed Scotland to thrive as underdogs when they face Morocco in a pivotal World Cup 2026 group-stage clash, insisting his players are often at their best when expectations are against them.
Scotland opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti, but Clarke conceded his side struggled with the weight of favouritism in that match. Now, up against a Morocco team that reached the semi-finals four years ago, the Scotland boss senses an opportunity for his squad to rediscover their most dangerous form.
Quick Facts:
Match: Scotland vs Morocco, World Cup 2026 Group H
Date: June 20, 2026 (time TBC)
Venue: TBC
Scotland form: Opened with 1-0 win over Haiti
Morocco form: Semi-finalists in 2022; scoreline TBC in opening match
Scotland's Underdog Mentality
Clarke did not shy away from addressing the psychological shift between Scotland’s first two group fixtures. "Sometimes the Scottish mentality is that we're a little more comfortable when we're the underdogs," he told reporters. "We were the favourites against Haiti and we found that game difficult. This time we're not the favourites to win and sometimes Scotland prefer it that way."
"We have to be very good. We're under no illusion about the size of the task."
— Steve Clarke
The manager’s assessment echoes a familiar narrative around the national team, who have historically punched above their weight when written off. A positive result would leave Scotland in a commanding position to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Morocco's Threat
Clarke was full of praise for the Atlas Lions, highlighting their evolution since the 2022 tournament in Qatar. "Morocco reached the last four of the World Cup in Qatar. This Morocco side is every bit as good, if not better. They'll have aspirations of reaching the last four again. It's a big challenge for us."
Now inside the world’s top 10, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side boasts a blend of technical quality and defensive organisation that will test Scotland in every phase. "Any time you play a team that's inside the world's top 10, you know you're going to have to be good in what you do both without the ball and with the ball," Clarke added.
McTominay to Bounce Back
Clarke also moved to defend Scott McTominay after a subdued display in the Haiti win, insisting the midfielder was not alone in finding the match difficult. "The Haiti game was a struggle for many of our players, not just Scott McTominay. Haiti controlled our midfield. You have to give credit to them."
The Scotland boss is confident McTominay will rise to the occasion against Morocco. "Scott's in a good place and ready to go again." That belief could prove vital if Scotland are to unlock a Morocco defence that has been notoriously hard to break down on the biggest stage.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Clarke believes Scotland perform better as underdogs, with the pressure off against favourites Morocco.
- Morocco are rated as an even stronger side than the one that reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
- Scott McTominay retains Clarke’s full backing despite a quiet opening game; the manager insists the entire midfield struggled against Haiti.
- A positive result would leave Scotland on the brink of a historic first knockout-stage appearance.
- Clarke stresses the need for Scotland to excel both in and out of possession against a world-class opponent.
