Scotland warns of Morocco's danger; McGinn explained the strange celebration
Ahead of Friday night's World Cup 2026 Group C clash, coach Steve Clarke insists Morocco are a serious threat. John McGinn also explained the meaning behind his 'mirror' celebration.
Scotland are ready to take on a shock Morocco in their Friday night (Saturday in the Philippines) Group C match of the 2026 World Cup, and head coach Steve Clarke is clear that the North African powerhouse is one of the most dangerous outsiders for the title.
After a 28-year absence from the world stage, Scotland returned with a narrow win over Haiti—a result that lifted them to the top of Group C alongside heavyweights Morocco and Brazil. The Tartan Army will face the Lions of Atlas next, and Clarke is not underestimating their quality.
"They are better now than they were four years ago, when they reached the semifinal," Clarke said at the pre-match press conference. "They have strength, speed, and the ability to open the game from nothing. They are a top nation."
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://webp.vi.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2026/06/19/d5061411ba787caad76f6534536aa2bdffed16ed.jpg?width=1200" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Clarke is expected to adjust his team's formation to suit Morocco's style and may switch to three centre-backs. "We have many ways to play. The Scots are often better when we are underdogs," added the 62-year-old coach.
Off the pitch, the strength of the support is palpable: pubs in Boston are said to have almost run out of beer after an influx of enthusiastic Scottish fans.
The star of the first win was midfielder John McGinn, who also scored Scotland's only goal. He celebrated it in a strange way—imitating the appearance of an upside-down mirror before his eyes—with a deeper reason.
"That's for my nephew who has poor eyesight. When he wears glasses, he can play and follow the game well," the Aston Villa midfielder told ITV Sport.
