Morocco became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after beating Canada 3-0 in Houston.
The Atlas Lions produced a clinical second-half performance to end Canada’s impressive run and continue their own mission of breaking new ground on the world stage.
Canada had started strongly and created the better chances in the first half. Jesse Marsch’s side pressed with energy, forced Morocco into mistakes and looked dangerous from set-pieces.
Yassine Bounou was called into action early, making an important save from Tani Oluwaseyi before also dealing with pressure from Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio’s deliveries.
Morocco struggled to find rhythm in a flat opening half. They had more possession, but Canada carried the greater attacking threat and looked the more likely team to score before the break.
The match also became physical, with several yellow cards shown in the first half as both teams fought for control. Morocco suffered an early blow when Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
The second half, however, belonged to Morocco.
Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute after a clever free-kick routine. Achraf Hakimi rolled the ball across the edge of the box, and Ounahi drilled a composed finish into the bottom corner to give the Atlas Lions the lead.
The goal changed the match completely. Canada, who had failed to take advantage of their first-half dominance, were forced to chase the game, leaving more space for Morocco to exploit on the counter.
Canada tried to respond, but their final ball lacked quality. Tajon Buchanan tested Bounou with a long-range effort, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin struggled to find clear chances against a disciplined Moroccan defence.
Morocco punished Canada again in the 82nd minute. Brahim Diaz drove forward into space and found Ounahi, who calmly swept a first-time finish into the top corner for his second goal of the match.
That strike effectively ended Canada’s hopes. Marsch’s team pushed bodies forward late on, even sending goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau up for set-pieces, but Morocco remained composed.
The Atlas Lions added a third deep in stoppage time through Rahimi. Diaz once again created the chance, waiting for the right moment before releasing the substitute, who finished low into the bottom corner.
Brahim Diaz’s assist was another major moment, as he set a new African record with four assists at a single World Cup.
The final scoreline looked comfortable, but the match was tighter than the numbers suggested. Canada had their moments, especially in the first half, but Morocco were ruthless when chances arrived.
For Canada, the defeat ends a historic campaign. As co-hosts, they won their first World Cup knockout match against South Africa and showed real progress, but Morocco’s experience and efficiency proved too much.
For Morocco, the journey continues. After reaching the semi-finals in 2022, they are now into a second straight World Cup quarter-final and will face either Paraguay or France next.
With Ounahi in inspired form, Hakimi providing leadership, Bounou delivering key saves and Diaz creating decisive moments, Morocco look like a team capable of going deep once again.
