Morocco crush Canada to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter final
Morocco made African football history on Saturday after a commanding 3-0 victory over co hosts Canada at Houston Stadium secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the last eight of the World Cup on more than one occasion, thanks to a brilliant second half display inspired by Azzedine Ounahi.
The opening half was fiercely contested, with both teams battling intensely in midfield. England referee Michael Oliver issued five yellow cards before the break as Canada, led by Jesse Marsch, tried to unsettle the North Africans with an aggressive approach.
Canada created promising opportunities through Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced assured performances to keep the score level heading into halftime.
Morocco returned from the interval with renewed purpose and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. Achraf Hakimi's cleverly worked free kick found Ounahi, who unleashed a powerful low strike from outside the box beyond goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
As Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco punished the spaces left behind. Brahim Díaz sliced through the defence before setting up Ounahi for his second goal of the match with a composed finish from close range.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, taking advantage of a defensive mistake to fire home Morocco's third goal and seal an unforgettable evening for the Atlas Lions.
The result ends Canada's impressive campaign as tournament co hosts, while Morocco's outstanding generation continues to build on the momentum created by their historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco will now travel to Boston Stadium for a quarterfinal clash against the winners of the Round of 16 encounter between France and Paraguay.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
