Morocco booked their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for a second straight tournament, defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in a physical Round
Morocco booked their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for a second straight tournament, defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in a physical Round of 16 clash at Houston Stadium.
Canada started the brighter side, with Jonathan David twice denied by Yassine Bounou in the opening exchanges, while the Atlas Lions absorbed an early blow when star forward Ismael Saibari was forced off injured after just 22 minutes, replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
The first half also saw tempers flare, with Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea both shown yellow cards after a brief scuffle.
Morocco emerged transformed after the break. In the 50th minute, Azzedine Ounahi received a free kick from Hakimi and fired a right-footed shot through traffic into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
The midfielder struck again in the 82nd minute, converting from a Brahim Díaz pass after a quick counterattack to make it 2-0.
Substitute Rahimi then wrapped up the rout deep into stoppage time, finishing calmly after Díaz led a brilliant counterattack and threaded the pass through.
Canada pushed for a way back late on — Jonathan David sent a free kick over the bar in the 78th minute, and Tajon Buchanan saw a long-range effort saved by Bounou — but the co-hosts’ fairytale run ultimately fell short.
It was a bruising affair throughout, with eight yellow cards issued and 38 fouls recorded across the 90-plus minutes.
The result ends Canada’s historic maiden Round of 16 appearance, while Morocco advance to face the winner of France vs Paraguay in Boston next Thursday, chasing a second consecutive World Cup semifinal berth after their historic run to the last four in Qatar 2022.
Speaking after the match, the man of the match, Ounahi, said, “Canada had caused Morocco real problems, especially in the first half, but the win was ultimately what mattered most”.
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