Steve Clarke has told his Scotland players they must deliver a peak performance against a Morocco side he rates as even better than the team that stormed to the semi-finals of the last World Cup. The two nations meet in a pivotal Group C clash at Gillette Stadium on Friday, with Scotland knowing a result would put them within touching distance of a historic place in the knockout rounds.
Clarke was unequivocal when asked whether the Atlas Lions, who held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opener, pose as tough a test as the five-time world champions.
“Absolutely. We are under no illusion about the size of the task. I feel Morocco are a really, really good side. They reached the last four of the last World Cup and I have a feeling this Morocco team is slightly better than that, so that gives you an idea of the task ahead. They have power, they have pace, they have little bits of skill that can open up a game. For me they are the real deal, a top side. We will have to be at our very best to compete."
Tactical flexibility and the underdog tag
Scotland laboured to a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their first match, a game in which they were installed as favourites. Clarke hinted that a return to a back three — last used in March’s friendly against Côte d’Ivoire — is likely, moving away from the 4-4-2 shape that struggled for fluency against the Haitians.
“Every system that we have ever played, we have put a lot of work into,” Clarke explained. “I have shown over my time as head coach that we can play different systems. It is something that we have always wanted to expand on, more systems, different personnel for different games."
The Scotland boss acknowledged that the national psyche often thrives when expectations are low. “Sometimes the Scottish mentality is that we’re a little more comfortable when we’re the underdogs. We were the favourites against Haiti and found the game a struggle, but we managed to win. This time we are the underdogs and sometimes Scotland prefer it that way.”
Crucially, the return of Scott McTominay — described by Clarke as a “talisman” — provides a goal threat from midfield that could prove decisive. The Napoli midfielder has flourished since his move to Serie A and, with the benefit of a full week’s preparation, is expected to spearhead Scotland’s attacking transitions.
History within reach
A draw would likely guarantee Scotland a place in the last 32 for the first time in their history, unless the rest of the group stage produces an extraordinary set of results. Clarke, however, is refusing to entertain mathematical scenarios.
“You just have to play the game. The first thing is to try and win, if you can’t win then don’t lose. Permutations and whatever else is for you guys [the media] and all the punters to think about, not for us."
The mood within the camp is buoyant after the Haiti win. “The players feel good about themselves. They wanted to win a game at a major tournament and have done that. Now they want the next step, which is to get what we need out of the next two games to make a little bit of history for Scotland. The training was electric today. We feel good.”
Clarke also took a moment to offer condolences to the family of Donnie Strathie, a 76-year-old Scotland supporter who died in Boston following the Haiti match. “In among all the good news that has come out the World Cup for Scotland, that is obviously very sad for his family; his daughters, his grandchildren. My thoughts and condolences are with his family.”
Key Takeaways
- Steve Clarke rates the current Morocco squad above the 2022 semi-finalists and demands Scotland’s best performance.
- A switch to a back three is expected as Scotland aim to cope with Morocco’s pace and power.
- A positive result on Friday would put Scotland on the brink of their first-ever tournament knockout appearance.
- Scott McTominay’s return as a midfield talisman adds a crucial goal threat in transitions.
Quick Facts
Fixture: Scotland vs Morocco
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Scotland’s last result: 1-0 win vs Haiti
Morocco’s last result: 1-1 draw vs Brazil
Broadcast: TV details are not yet confirmed for all territories. Check our scores page for live updates.