by Emmanuel Olagunju
Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 encounter on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
After a fiercely contested first half that ended goalless, the Atlas Lions raised their intensity to overwhelm their North American opponents. The opening 45 minutes saw both teams battle for control, with several players from both sides receiving yellow cards in a physical contest.
Morocco’s breakthrough came in the 50th minute when midfielder Azzedine Ounahi finished brilliantly after being set up by Achraf Hakimi, giving the African side a deserved lead. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour as Canada struggled to respond.
Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute, completing his brace after receiving a well-timed pass from Brahim Diaz. The second goal effectively ended Canada’s hopes of mounting a comeback and highlighted Morocco’s superiority in the latter stages of the match.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi added further gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+8th minute from another Brahim Diaz assist to seal a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The result sends Morocco into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing the nation’s impressive rise on the global stage.
Canada, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament after a commendable campaign that saw them reach the knockout stages.
