World Cup 2026 LIVE: Scotland’s hopes in the balance after ‘stonewall’ penalty denied against Morocco | OneFootball

Scotland are still searching for the point they need to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco bumped them off top spot in Group C.

The Tartan Army have thoroughly enjoyed their stay in Boston but witnessed a nightmare start as Scotland conceded their fastest-ever World Cup goal, with Ismael Saibari smashing Morocco in front after just 70 seconds.

Saibari hit the bar and goalkeeper Angus Gunn was forced into a reflex save as Steve Clarke’s side survived a spell of pressure following the restart. Scotland then had a late push but, penalty appeals led by Scott McTominay aside, failed to test Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

ITV upgrades Emma Hayes’ tactics corner after sexism storm over ‘kitchen’ set

ITV pundit Emma Hayes received an upgrade to the set used for her tactical analysis after the kitchen-esque design initially sparked something of a sexism row at World Cup 2026.

Hayes, who is the current US women’s team manager and whose seven Women’s Super League titles during her time at Chelsea made her one of the most highly-respected tacticians in world football, delivered tactical insights during England’s impressive opening 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday.

But viewers were left baffled and distracted by ITV’s decision to station her away from the main punditry in a part of the set that resembled a show kitchen, with a chalkboard affixed to a brick column, surrounded by cupboards and drawers that looked as if they should contain cutlery and crockery.

The broadcaster appeared to listen to complaints as Hayes was back in tactics corner for Brazil’s comfortable victory over Haiti late on Friday night but had her stick of chalk upgraded to movable magnets for insights on the blackboard and a tight camera shot that focused just on her face and the board, without zooming out to reveal the cupboards, was used throughout.

ITV upgrades Emma Hayes’ tactics corner after sexism storm over ‘kitchen’ set

Luke Baker20 June 2026 14:15

Six million viewers tune in to watch Scotland lose to Morocco at the World Cup

A peak audience of six million viewers tuned in to watch Scotland lose 1-0 to Morocco in the World Cup on Friday.

The figure was achieved across ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player, with a peak of 1.2 million viewers on STV in Scotland, making it the most-watched television event on the channel since the team took on Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024, according to overnight figures.

Richard Williams, managing director of audience at STV, said: “In spite of the disappointing result, it’s clear from the viewing figures that the nation was right behind Steve Clarke’s men for last night’s tense clash with Morocco – no other group of supporters comes close.

“It’s been great to have Scotland back in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, and the ratings prove that shared experiences like this can bring audiences together like nothing else.”

Luke Baker20 June 2026 12:56

Scotland face sobering reality after 70 seconds of World Cup regret

After Scotland’s joy and optimism from a party that spilt onto the streets of Boston over the last week, Morocco delivered a sobering reality check in just 70 seconds to leave World Cup history still agonisingly out of reach.

This feel-good story has seen 20,000 Scots descend on Massachusetts, daring to dream of a first ever knockout tie. Those hopes remain intact, however, with three points from two engrossing contests and now a goal difference of zero, but this passionate finale may yet leave regrets about a lack of ambition, or rather composure, from a regrettable start and selections from Steve Clarke bound to fuel debate long into the Boston night.

Scotland face sobering reality after 70 seconds of World Cup regret

Scotland 0-1 Morocco: Scott McTominay’s penalty appeal was dismissed, with Steve Clarke’s side unable to seize a first ever World Cup knockout tie after Ismael Saibari’s early strike in Foxborough

Jack Rathborn at the Boston Stadium20 June 2026 12:00

How the magic of the Tartan Army gave Scotland a World Cup moment to cherish forever

Mary Morris clutched the urn that held her husband’s ashes; this long-time member of the Tartan Army had just witnessed Scotland finally win at the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

It has been a journey for Mary, a year on from the passing of Stevie Morris, following a brave battle with MND, that offered a glimpse into what the Tartan Army and a lifetime of following Scotland represents to its people.

It’s more than just football, too, and perhaps it needs to be, given Scotland, through two matches and a sobering setback to Morocco, have mustered just three shots on target outside of John McGinn’s scruffy goal against Haiti.

But even with the daunting prospect of requiring a point, or at least a defeat by a single goal, to five-time world champions Brazil, the experience remains a captivating one for young and old and while tangible success on the pitch, in the shape of a first ever knockout stage game, would be treasured for generations, the intimate stories and unity formed have already secured a lifetime of stories.

Jack Rathborn has been chatting to the Tartan army in Boston and uncovering the stories that have made this World Cup so special.

Scotland’s World Cup hopes in balance after ‘stonewall’ penalty waved away - reaction

Scotland 0-1 Morocco: The Tartan Army were unable to recover following Ismael Saibari’s goal after just 70 seconds and must now take a point against Brazil in their final group game

Luke Baker20 June 2026 11:30

Roy Keane critical of Scotland's approach against Morocco

Roy Keane said Scotland have to look at themselves and questioned whether they will have the belief to go out and try and get a point against Brazil on Wednesday.

“We can talk about the team shape, being hard to break down. When you're a goal down after 70 seconds, it's down to your mindset. Where's your belief? Where's your confidence?

“It has to come from the manager, the staff and the senior players. Scotland are almost waiting for something to happen. We all agree Brazil aren't that brilliant but they'll be more than good enough to beat Scotland if they play like that.”

Scotland will be 'kicking themselves' after nightmare start against Morocco

Ange Postecolgou said Scotland will be frustrated by how they started against Morocco, with a lapse on concentration leading to the opening goal after just 70 seconds.

“I guess if you go back right to the start, Scotland would be kicking themselves they conceded so early.

“Because there was no doubt that as the game wore on and Ben Gannon-Doak came on made a big difference, I thought just with his energy and then MTominay was in the box a lot more often and getting on the end of things.

“I think there is a consistent theme with Morocco in both games where they tailed off, and I think Scotland will just be kicking themselves that they didn't start the game better.”

Jamie Braidwood20 June 2026 10:00

Pundits split over Scott McTominay penalty decision after Scotland lose to Morocco

Roy Keane: “I don't think it's a penalty. Simple as that. I think he's kind of looking to go down.”

Duncan Ferguson: “I think it was a stonewall penalty. It was a penalty. There was a wee bit of a touch. There was a big touch, and then McTominay goes. He’s running at speed.”

Ange Postecoglou: “I think he's looking to go down. There's a difference. I mean he does get across him but not for a penalty. I think he was going down anyway.”

Pundits split over Scott McTominay penalty decision after Scotland lose to Morocco

McTominay was brought down by Neil El Aynaoui with Morocco leading 1-0 late into the Group C contest

Will Castle 20 June 2026 09:00

Could Scotland lose to Brazil and still get through?

Now we’re talking.

The good news for Scotland is they only lost 1-0 to Morocco. If they repeat the trick against Brazil and only lose by a one-goal margin, they will finish the group stage on three points and with a goal difference of -1. Based on previous editions of the European Championships (as detailed below) that could be good enough to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. But they would be right on the fence.

Needless to say, a heavy defeat to Brazil, acting as a sledgehammer to the goal difference, would mean Scotland’s hopes of going through would be as slim as the chance of a quiet half in Boston.

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood20 June 2026 08:00