Edi Umoh
Morocco booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash at the Houston Stadium.
The African champions sealed victory with two second-half goals from Azzedine Ounahi—his first-ever FIFA World Cup goals—and a stoppage-time strike from Soufiane Rahimi to secure back-to-back World Cup quarter-final appearances and end Canada’s campaign.
Canada entered the match seeking consecutive victories in FIFA World Cup knockout matches after recording their first-ever knockout win against South Africa. However, they were frustrated by a disciplined and confident Morocco side that remained composed despite the co-hosts’ high-tempo approach.
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Canada created the first clear chances of the game, forcing Yassine Bounou into two important saves, including a superb point-blank stop from close range. Morocco then suffered a setback midway through the first half when star forward Ismael Saibari was forced off with a hamstring injury as they struggled to contain Canada’s pace.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side gradually took control of the contest and broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Azzedine Ounahi fired home from the edge of the box after Achraf Hakimi cleverly played a short free-kick into his path.
Canada pressed for an equaliser, with Jonathan David sending a free-kick over the crossbar and Tajon Buchanan testing Bounou from long range. But Morocco doubled their advantage when Ounahi finished brilliantly into the top corner after being played through by Brahim Diaz on a swift counterattack.
Rahimi, who had earlier struck the crossbar, completed the scoring six minutes into stoppage time, calmly converting another assist from Diaz to spark celebrations on the Moroccan bench.
The victory sends Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament, making them the first African nation to reach the last eight in back-to-back FIFA World Cups.
Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-final at Boston Stadium on Thursday, June 9.
