Azzedine Ounahi produced a match winning display with two second half goals as Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Houston to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions will now face either France or Paraguay for a place in the last four.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch made three changes to the side that faced South Africa. Sigur, De Fougerolles and Ahmed came into the starting lineup, while Saliba, Cornelius and Millar dropped to the bench. Ismael Koné remained unavailable, leaving Stephen Eustaquio to lead the midfield after his impressive performances, including 194 successful passes, 44 passes into the penalty area and the winning goal in the previous match. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies was again named among the substitutes as he continued to build match fitness.
Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui Ouahbi made just one change from the victory over the Netherlands. Halhal replaced the injured Riad, who was only fit enough for the bench after limping off in the previous game. Canada born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou started between the posts, while captain Achraf Hakimi made history with his 15th World Cup appearance, the most by any African player.
Canada started brightly and almost made the perfect opening. In the fifth minute, Richie Laryea’s driving run earned the first corner of the game. Eustaquio delivered a dangerous cross that Bounou punched clear before Jonathan David forced the Moroccan goalkeeper into another save with an angled effort.
The Atlas Lions survived another scare six minutes later. Tani Oluwaseyi collected a low pass on the edge of the penalty area, turned sharply and fired towards goal. However, Bounou reacted brilliantly, stretching out a leg to deny the striker and keep the scores level.
Morocco suffered another setback in the 22nd minute when star forward Saibari picked up an injury and had to leave the pitch. Soufiane Rahimi replaced him as the Atlas Lions searched for a breakthrough.
Canada dominated the opening stages and prevented Morocco from registering a single shot in the first 25 minutes, the first time the North Africans had failed to attempt an effort during that period of a World Cup match. Despite controlling possession, Morocco struggled to create meaningful chances, while Canada looked the more dangerous side. At halftime, Morocco’s expected goals stood at just 0.02 compared to Canada’s 0.42, although neither side found the net. A physical first half also produced six yellow cards, leaving several players walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Morocco returned from the break with renewed purpose and finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. A cleverly worked free kick ended with Hakimi sliding the ball into Ounahi’s path on the edge of the box. The midfielder calmly drilled a low finish into the bottom right corner to give the Atlas Lions a 1-0 lead.
Canada paid the price for failing to take their first half chances. Morocco’s opener also extended an impressive record, as the Atlas Lions remained unbeaten in their last nine World Cup matches when scoring first, a run dating back to their defeat against Germany in 1970.
Canada searched for an equaliser and nearly found one in the 75th minute after Amrabat fouled Eustaquio just outside the penalty area. However, Jonathan David wasted the opportunity by lifting his free kick well over the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Tajon Buchanan tested Bounou with a powerful 30 yard strike that bounced awkwardly in front of goal, but the experienced goalkeeper reacted quickly to push the effort away.
Morocco sealed the contest in the 82nd minute with another devastating counterattack. Brahim Díaz burst into space before cutting inside and laying the ball into Ounahi’s path. The midfielder struck a first time finish into the top right corner to complete his brace and put the Atlas Lions firmly in control.
Soufiane Rahimi almost added a third moments later, but his powerful header crashed against the crossbar.
Canada’s hopes briefly lifted when eight minutes of stoppage time were announced, but Morocco struck once more on another swift break. Brahim Díaz supplied another perfectly weighted pass, and Rahimi finished confidently to make it 3-0 and complete an outstanding second half performance.
Morocco comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a convincing victory and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals. After surviving Canada’s early pressure, the Atlas Lions raised their level after halftime and punished every defensive mistake with clinical finishing. They now await either France or Paraguay as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.
