Morocco produced a devastating second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 on Saturday and book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice in a commanding victory at Houston Stadium.
After a tightly contested first half, the Atlas Lions shifted gears after the interval to end Canada’s remarkable tournament run and continue their own quest for another deep World Cup campaign following their historic semifinal appearance in 2022.
Canada looked the more threatening side in the opening 45 minutes. Richie Laryea won an early corner after a quick counterattack, while Jonathan David tested goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from a series of dangerous set pieces delivered by Stephen Eustáquio. Tani Oluwaseyi also came close, forcing Bounou into an important save after a defensive lapse.
Morocco, however, suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari, one of their joint-leading scorers at the tournament, limped off with a hamstring injury after just 21 minutes.
Despite the disruption, Walid Regragui’s side returned from the break with renewed purpose and broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. A cleverly worked free-kick routine saw Achraf Hakimi slip the ball into the path of Ounahi, who fired a low strike through a crowded penalty area and beyond Maxime Crépeau.
Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left themselves increasingly exposed at the back. Morocco capitalised in the 82nd minute when Ounahi completed his brace, curling a superb effort beyond Crépeau after the Canadians were caught overcommitted in attack.
The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time as substitute Soufiane Rahimi finished off a swift counterattack in the 98th minute, putting the result beyond doubt and sending the Moroccan supporters inside Houston Stadium into celebration.
While defeat ends Canada’s memorable World Cup journey, Jesse Marsch’s side leave the tournament with plenty to celebrate. The co-hosts recorded their first-ever World Cup points during the competition and secured a historic maiden knockout-stage victory with a dramatic stoppage-time win over South Africa in the Round of 32.
Morocco, meanwhile, continue to strengthen their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. The Atlas Lions will face the winners of France and Paraguay in the quarterfinals on July 9 in Boston as they bid to surpass their historic run to the last four at the 2022 World Cup.
