World Cup 2026: Morocco Sweep Aside Canada to Reach Quarter-finals

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Morocco produced a sensational second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday, becoming the first African nation to book a place in the quarter-finals of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After surviving sustained Canadian pressure before the break, the Atlas Lions emerged from halftime transformed, striking three unanswered goals to end Canada’s historic campaign and continue their own remarkable march towards the title.

Canada started brightly and created the better opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, forcing Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into several important saves. The North Americans, backed by a passionate home crowd, dominated possession but were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s disciplined defence and wasteful finishing.

Morocco took control after the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock early in the second half before doubling the advantage later with his second goal of the afternoon after being set up by Brahim Díaz. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, completing a ruthless 3-0 triumph that scarcely reflected Canada’s positive first-half display.

The victory extends Morocco’s dream tournament after they knocked out the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s tactical changes at halftime proved decisive, with Ounahi deployed in a more advanced role that unlocked the Canadian defence. The only concern for the Atlas Lions was an apparent thigh injury to forward Ismael Saibari, who was forced off during the contest.

For Canada, the defeat brought an end to a memorable World Cup run. The co-hosts had reached the knockout rounds for the first time and eliminated South Africa in the Round of 32, but they found Morocco too clinical when it mattered most.

Morocco will now face France in the quarter-finals on 9 July in a blockbuster clash that rekindles memories of their 2022 World Cup semi-final meeting, with the Atlas Lions aiming to continue their pursuit of a historic first world title.