Morocco scored three unanswered goals to end Canada’s historic World Cup campaign to book a quarterfinal place.
Morocco became the first team to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 clash in Houston on Saturday.
After surviving early pressure from the tournament co hosts, the Atlas Lions took control in the second half with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi producing a match winning display.
Canada started brightly and created several opportunities in the opening stages as they sought to continue their remarkable run to the knockout stages. However, the North Americans were unable to convert their chances, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making crucial interventions to keep the game level at the break.
Morocco broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half when Ounahi struck from the edge of the area following a set piece situation to put the African side ahead.
The midfielder doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute, finishing emphatically from close range after being picked out by Brahim Díaz as Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, finishing off a swift counterattack to seal an emphatic victory for the North Africans.
The result sends Morocco into the quarterfinals for the second time in their history and makes them the first African nation to reach the last eight of the World Cup on two occasions. Canada, meanwhile, bow out after their best ever performance at a World Cup tournament.