Scotland arrived at Gillette Stadium with genuine belief, buoyed by a raucous travelling support, and for 34 minutes they were more than competitive. McTominay's towering header from Robertson's pinpoint left-wing delivery silenced the Moroccan end and gave Steve Clarke's side a deserved lead built on defensive discipline and energetic pressing. But Morocco — seasoned, technically superior and tactically flexible — gradually asserted control. Hakimi's overlapping runs on the right were a constant menace, and after Amrabat's booking seemed to momentarily unsettle the Atlas Lions, Brahim Díaz responded with a moment of individual brilliance: a deft first touch to control Hakimi's low cross, a sharp half-turn, and a clinical finish into the bottom-left corner. Scotland's high line, effective in the first half, became a liability as Morocco's pace in transition increased. El Kaabi sealed the win on 78 minutes, latching onto Ounahi's incisive through-ball and slotting past Gordon with composure. Scotland pushed late — Shankland heading wide, Christie curling narrowly over — but Morocco's defensive organisation held firm. A result that reflects the quality gap between a resilient but limited Scotland side and a Morocco team that has genuine knockout-round ambitions.

• Scotland's only goal came from a set-piece — their primary route to goal all match, generating 0.61 xG from dead-ball situations alone.
• Morocco dominated second-half possession (62%) and outshot Scotland 10–4 after the break.
• Achraf Hakimi created 4 chances — the most of any player on the pitch — terrorising Scotland's left flank.
• Brahim Díaz's equaliser came just 2 minutes after Amrabat's yellow card, Morocco immediately lifting the tempo.
• Scotland's high defensive line was repeatedly exposed in behind; Morocco's forwards registered 3 offside calls but also carved 4 clear openings.
• Craig Gordon made 6 saves — without him, the margin could have been heavier.