Scotland must adjust mindset for World Cup progression, claims Christie

Ryan Christie believes Scotland must adjust their targets and mindset in order to progress to the latter stages of the World Cup.

Scotland marked their first appearance at the World Cup since 1998 with a 1-0 win over Haiti, moving them to the top of Group C after Brazil’s draw with Morocco.

Steve Clarke’s side face Morocco at Boston Stadium on Friday and another three points would see them book their place in the round of 32. They have never previously made it past the group stage.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Scotland have an 80.7% chance of reaching the knockout rounds and a 15.3% likelihood of topping their group.

Christie is confident Scotland can get a result against Morocco, but insists they must have the right mindset to do so.

When asked if Scotland could defeat Morocco, Christie said: “Absolutely. I think we’ve got to think like that. Especially after the first result against Haiti.

“We’re trying not to get too ahead of ourselves, but at the same time, you’ve got to draw confidence from that and ride the wave a little bit.

Back in Boston #FIFAWorldCup | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EbB3ySQv87

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 18, 2026

“We need to keep those numbers [shots conceded] as low as possible and then do our bit when we do get the chance to hurt them.

“It’s a dream come true to even play in a World Cup, but you have to quickly adjust your targets and adjust your mindset.

“From being happy to be here, you want to go and create more and keep pushing the bar. The manager has kept the foot to the floor.”

Morocco and Scotland’s only previous encounter was in the group stages in 1998 – Morocco won 3-0, their largest World Cup victory to date.

Scotland have won eight of their last 11 competitive matches (D1 L2), including five of their last six (L1).

The only side to beat them in this run is Greece, who won 3-0 in the Nations League in March 2025 and 3-2 in a World Cup qualifier in November 2025.

Morocco, however, have lost only one of their last six World Cup group matches against European opposition (W2 D3) – a 1-0 defeat against Portugal in 2018.