Steve Clarke’s men face a nerve-wracking World Cup clash in Boston as our EA FC 26 simulation predicts plenty of drama and 93rd-minute heroics from goalkeeper Angus Gunn
Angus Gunn will prove crucial for Scotland against Morocco if EA FC 26 is to be believed(Image: EA Sports/Screenshot)
After a nervous start to things at the 2026 World Cup, Scotland are on – but now faces a more stringent test.
You don’t need us to remind you of the significance of the 1-0 win against Haiti. A victory 36 years in the making, read the result Scotland top of Group C.
But now a much sterner test awaits Steve Clarke’s men, in the form of a well-drilled but technical Moroccan side. The Atlas Lions held Brazil to a draw, even leading against one of the tournament favorites.
the tartan army, that has taken over Bostonwill surely face another nerve-wracking clash on Friday 19 June when Scotland go underdogs against the first African side to reach a WC semi-final. We took to EA Sports FC 26 to try and predict how the match will play out.
If the simulation is anything close to reality, predictions of a nail biter is bang on. But one man makes himself a hero in dramatic fashion – that’s how it went.
Scotland vs Morocco World Cup 2026 match simulated by EA FC 26
Our simulation chose not to guess Clarke’s line-up, instead sticking with the same XI that beat Haiti in their Group C opens. In a 4-4-2 shape, that meant Ryan Christie remained on the bench while he was Hey Adams and Lawrence Shankland resumed their strike partnership.
Scotland predicted starting XI vs Morocco : Angus Gunn; Aaron Hickey, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Andy Robertson; Ben Gannon-Doak, Lewis Ferguson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland.
Almost immediately, the game tried to prove that it would be anything but boring. Some of the game’s best chances fell in the opening minutes as both sides demonstrated their attacking prowess.
After just five minutes, Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi played in veteran Ayoub El Kaabi. But the Moroccan shot well over despite being found in a good position.
Two minutes later, Scotland rattled the woodwork. From 12 yards, Shankland thumped the Moroccan post and Adams followed this up 60 seconds later with a poor shot from wide range.
Shankland was denied once again after 23 minutes, this time by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after Ben Gannon-Doak’s darting run from the touchline opened up space for the striker inside the box. Both teams huffed and puffed, but the scoreline remained untouched at the break.
Morocco looked to control the game with two-thirds of the possession, but Scotland had shot five-four from the African side – although only one shot per side was on target.
Second half drama
A win here would virtually guarantee a place in the knockout rounds for the first time ever. The historic apartment did not appear to be lost on the virtual Scottish side as they battled admirably against opponents determined to patiently keep the ball.
There wasn’t much of note until the last 20 minutes when the game really came alive. El Kaabi turned Grant Hanley expertly to find space in the box but shot well wide in what was a wasted effort.
In the 73rd minute it was Scotland’s turn to spurn an opportunity. Replace Ryan Christieon for Lewis Ferguson, had his head in his hands after failing to capitalize on a lovely Scotland move.
With time running out, Morocco hit the frame of the goal five minutes later. El Kaabi was once again the danger man, crashing against the crossbar from point-blank range after a sweeping move led to Achraf Hakimi slotting it in for the striker.
Late heroism
The drama didn’t end there. With the very last touch of the game, goalkeeper Angus Gunn was the hero for Scotland as he denied Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi with a brilliant save.
Talbi’s well-struck strike looked destined for the bottom corner, but Gunn’s outstretched hand managed to knock it away and out of the area before the referee called time on an exciting but goalless encounter.
Should this simulated match come to fruition, the Tartan Army will have to wait to be sure of Scotland’s qualification for the second round. But four points should be enough to secure the finest moment in Scotland’s World Cup history in the new 48-team format.
The final result between Scotland and Morocco is predicted by EA FC on 26
Scotland 0 – 0 Morocco
