Morocco are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, becoming the first African nation to reach the last eight of the tournament on more than one occasion.
After making history with a semifinal run in Qatar four years ago, the Atlas Lions have once again established themselves among the world’s elite. They will now face France in Boston on Thursday for a place in the semifinals.
Brahim Díaz delivers for Morocco
Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz was the lone Madridista involved
in the match and played an important role in Morocco’s victory from the right wing.
Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet, Brahim produced two assists, including a perfectly timed pass that set up Azzedine Ounahi’s second goal during a devastating counterattack in the 82nd minute to effectively seal the contest.
The 25-year-old also contributed defensively throughout the match, finishing with:
- 2 assists
- 32 touches
- 3 defensive recoveries
- 1 tackle
- 1 interception
It was another well-rounded display from Brahim, whose work rate off the ball complemented his creativity in transition.
Morocco withstand Canadian pressure
The final scoreline hardly reflected the balance of play.
Canada controlled large stretches of the opening half and spent much of the match pushing Morocco onto the back foot. However, the Atlas Lions defended with discipline before punishing the hosts as they committed more bodies forward in search of an equalizer.
Ounahi was the star of the afternoon, scoring twice, with his second arriving after Brahim Díaz released him on the break before the midfielder calmly finished with his right foot from inside the penalty area.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who had entered after Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury in the 22nd minute, completed the scoring deep into stoppage time.
Bounou stands tall
Canada created opportunities to get back into the match but found Yassine Bounou in inspired form.
The Moroccan goalkeeper, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents, made three saves, including an excellent diving stop to deny Tajon Buchanan’s powerful long-range effort late in the second half.
Jonathan David also came close with a free kick in the 78th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The physical nature of the contest was reflected in the referee’s notebook, with eight yellow cards shown—four to each side.
Another historic chapter for Morocco
Morocco entered the knockout rounds after eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout and have continued their impressive World Cup run with another composed performance under pressure.
The victory also served as a repeat of the 2022 World Cup meeting between these two nations, when Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 during the group stage on their way to becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.
For Canada, the defeat brings an end to a memorable tournament. The co-hosts had reached the knockout stage and celebrated their first-ever World Cup knockout victory after defeating South Africa in the Round of 32, but Morocco once again proved to be an obstacle they could not overcome.
