Morocco beats Scotland 1-0 with fastest goal of 2026 World Cup

Ismael Saibari scored the fastest goal in 2026 World Cup history after just 71 seconds, helping Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 and move closer to a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament being held in the United States.

The 25-year-old midfielder, of Spanish descent and raised in Belgium, sealed the tense match at Boston's stadium (Massachusetts, USA) in front of 64,146 spectators. Saibari also scored in Morocco's opening match, a 1-1 draw with Brazil.

The assist came from Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz. Scotland's Grant Hanley allowed Saibari to stay onside, and the player controlled the ball before firing a precise shot past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. It was the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

According to transfer information, Saibari is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of $63 million.

With four points from two matches, Morocco — ranked fifth in the world — has a strong chance to advance to the round of 32, aiming to repeat its semifinal run at Qatar 2022. The African side previously beat Scotland 3-0 at the 1998 World Cup.

In contrast, Scotland (ranked 40th) endured a disappointing evening. Despite a 1-0 win over Haiti in their opener — their first World Cup victory since 1990 — Steve Clarke's side failed to create any dangerous chances against goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Scotland's most notable moment came in first-half stoppage time when Andy Robertson crossed but John McGinn couldn't capitalize.

Clarke made three changes from the Haiti match, bolstering the defense with a five-man backline and bringing in Kieran Tierney, but it didn't prevent the early goal.

After halftime, Morocco continued to press. Saibari hit the crossbar in the 50th minute, and goalkeeper Gunn made an excellent save from Bilal El Khannouss's header. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was repeatedly jeered by Scottish fans whenever he touched the ball.

Scotland pushed forward late: Ryan Christie shot high in the 64th minute after a pass from Scott McTominay, who later hit the side netting. However, the equalizer never came.

Notably, Hakimi — the PSG defender — started the match just hours after a French court confirmed he would face trial on rape charges. Hakimi posted on social media: "A story that is not mine is being told, affecting my family and my life. I have been waiting for this trial since day one and now I look forward to it."

In the final round of Group C, Morocco will face Haiti in Atlanta, while Scotland takes on Brazil in Miami.