Morocco became the first team to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating co-host Canada 3-0 on Saturday in Houston.
At NRG Stadium, Morocco secured victory thanks to a brace from Azzedine Ounahi, who scored in the 50th and 82nd minutes, while substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time (90+8). Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz played a pivotal role, providing assists for the first two goals.
Morocco will face either Paraguay or France in the quarter-finals on Thursday in Boston. The two teams are scheduled to meet later in Philadelphia to determine Morocco’s next opponent.
The only setback for Morocco was the early first-half injury to Ismael Saibari, who was forced to leave the field.
The victory ended Canada’s impressive World Cup campaign. The tournament marked only the country’s third appearance at the finals.
Despite the defeat, Canada achieved several historic milestones during the competition, including earning its first-ever World Cup point and recording its first victory in the tournament.
While Canada emerged as one of the competition’s surprise stories, Morocco entered the tournament with much higher expectations.
Four years earlier in Qatar, the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final after eliminating Spain and Portugal before finishing fourth.
Morocco has since demonstrated that its historic run in Qatar was no fluke. The team topped its group after drawing with Brazil before knocking out European powerhouse the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
With disciplined tactics, outstanding fitness, and technical quality, Morocco has continued its World Cup campaign with the confidence of a team determined to make another deep run in the tournament.
