Morocco produced a commanding second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 at Houston Stadium on Saturday and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice after the break as the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals more than once, extending their remarkable run on the global stage.
Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as Morocco punished Canada’s defensive lapses in stoppage time to seal a comprehensive victory.
The result continues Morocco’s impressive tournament, built on defensive discipline and growing attacking confidence, as they once again emerge as one of the standout teams at the competition.
The opening half was tight and physical, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in a stop-start contest. Referee Michael Oliver issued five yellow cards before the interval as Canada attempted to disrupt Morocco with aggressive pressing and intensity.
Canada did carve out early chances through Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remained solid, organising his defence and ensuring the score stayed level.
Morocco, meanwhile, showed patience in possession, waiting for openings rather than forcing play in a tense first 45 minutes.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half from a well-worked set-piece. Achraf Hakimi rolled a free-kick into space outside the box and Ounahi struck a low, precise effort beyond Maxime Crépeau to give Morocco the lead.
With Canada forced to push forward in search of an equaliser, gaps began to open at the back. Morocco took full advantage, with Brahim Díaz driving through midfield before setting up Ounahi for his second goal from close range to make it 2-0.
The Canadian side continued to press but struggled to break through Morocco’s organised defensive shape, with the Atlas Lions managing the game with growing authority.
In added time, substitute Soufiane Rahimi capitalised on a defensive mistake to add a third goal, finishing calmly to put the result beyond doubt and spark celebrations among Morocco’s supporters.
The win adds to Morocco’s growing reputation after their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup. Once again, the North African side have shown their ability to compete with and beat top international opposition on the biggest stage.
For Canada, the defeat brings an end to a historic campaign in which they reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history. Despite the loss, their progress as co-hosts will be seen as a significant step forward.
Morocco now advance to the quarter-finals in Boston, where they will face either France or Paraguay as their remarkable journey continues.
