Morocco produced a clinical second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 on Saturday in Houston, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory ended Canada’s historic tournament run, making them the first of the three tournament co-hosts to be eliminated from the competition. Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, will now face either France or Paraguay in the last eight.
After a tightly contested and physical first half with few clear-cut chances, Morocco found their breakthrough five minutes after the restart through midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Canada, playing in the biggest match in the nation’s football history, responded positively and pushed for an equaliser, but Morocco remained composed and punished their opponents on the counterattack.
Ounahi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute with another first-time finish before substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, scoring with virtually the final kick of the match.
Backed by a crowd of 68,777 at Houston Stadium, Canada started brightly despite being clear underdogs against the African giants.
The North Americans had created history by winning both a World Cup match and a knockout fixture for the first time to reach the Round of 16.
Canada nearly took an early lead when Tani Oluwaseyi turned sharply inside the penalty area and forced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into an excellent save after just 10 minutes.
The Canadians continued to apply pressure, earning several corner kicks, with defender Alistair Johnston missing a free header that could have given his side the advantage.
Morocco suffered a setback midway through the opening half when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had already scored three goals during the tournament, was forced off through injury.
He was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi, who would later make a significant impact by scoring Morocco’s third goal.
Despite Canada’s early dominance, Morocco gradually settled into the contest, with Rahimi registering the team’s first shot on target after the cooling break.
The first period was characterised more by physical battles than attacking football.
A brief confrontation between Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea shortly before half-time resulted in both players receiving yellow cards.
Referee Michael Oliver booked six players during a feisty opening 45 minutes, including four Moroccan players, as persistent fouls disrupted the flow of the game.
Morocco emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and immediately seized control of the match.
Just five minutes into the second half, Achraf Hakimi delivered a low free-kick to the edge of the area, where an unmarked Ounahi struck a superb first-time effort past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Canada attempted to fight back but struggled to break down Morocco’s disciplined defensive structure.
As the game opened up late on, Morocco exploited the spaces left by the advancing Canadians.
Ounahi completed his brace in the 82nd minute with another composed first-time finish following a swift counterattack.
Rahimi then added further gloss to the scoreline in the 98th minute, calmly finishing to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
The win sends Morocco into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the clash between France and Paraguay as they continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
For Canada, the defeat brings an end to what has been their most successful FIFA World Cup campaign despite the disappointment of exiting on home soi
