Scotland face Morocco in World Cup group stage as Tartan Army fills Boston streets

Scotland face Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match on Friday, June 19, with the Tartan Army in full voice across Boston after more than a week of festivities in the host city.

The Scots enter the fixture knowing Morocco represent a stern challenge, but the mood among travelling supporters has remained buoyant despite the stakes. Fans have been gathering in the streets of Boston throughout the day, continuing a run of celebrations that began well before the tournament’s opening fixtures.

Friday’s card also features USA vs Australia, Brazil vs Haiti in Philadelphia, and Turkey vs Paraguay, making it one of the busiest days of the group stage so far.

Thursday’s action produced several notable results. Mexico secured their second home-ground win of the tournament, edging South Korea 1-0 to advance to the Round of 32, though they were met with boos from sections of their own support. Canada produced a thumping victory over Qatar that equalled a home-win margin record dating back to 1978, though the occasion was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who appeared to break his leg and whose tournament is likely over. Elsewhere, Ghana beat Panama 1-0, Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, and Czechia drew 1-1 with South Africa.

In Philadelphia, Brazil supporters are taking the so-called Rocky Curse seriously ahead of their clash with Haiti. The city’s famous Rocky Balboa statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art has become a focal point, with Brazilian fans actively refusing to drape any Selecao colours on the sculpture — and reportedly stationing self-appointed bodyguards to stop others from doing so. The superstition gained fresh credibility after Ecuador fans dressed the statue in their colours before losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast, with Manchester United’s Amad scoring the winner in the 90th minute. Brazil arrive at the fixture having drawn 1-1 with Morocco in their opening game in New Jersey.

England supporters also had a scare on their journey to Boston, where the Three Lions are due to face Ghana on Tuesday. Their American Airlines flight from Dallas was struck by severe turbulence, leaving one passenger and two flight attendants on the floor before the aircraft landed safely. Crew members described it as the worst turbulence they had experienced in years.