Morocco is the first team to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston, Softfootball reports.
The Atlas Lions, semifinalists in Qatar 2022, had to withstand early Canadian pressure as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced excellent saves to deny Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. Morocco also suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari was forced off injured after 22 minutes, with Soufiane Rahimi replacing him.
After a quiet first half, Morocco took control five minutes after the restart. Captain Achraf Hakimi’s clever free-kick found Azzedine Ounahi, who swept a low finish into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Canada continued to create opportunities, but Bounou remained outstanding, keeping out efforts from David and Tajon Buchanan to preserve Morocco’s lead.
With eight minutes remaining, Brahim Diaz led a swift counterattack before setting up Ounahi for his second goal of the match. Rahimi then sealed the victory in stoppage time after earlier striking the crossbar, completing a clinical 3-0 triumph.
The victory extends Morocco’s unbeaten run to 33 matches and makes them the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments. They will now face either France or Paraguay for a place in the semifinals.
Player Ratings
Canada
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Maxime Crépeau | 6 |
| Richie Laryea | 6 |
| Luc De Fougerolles | 6 |
| Moise Bombito | 6 |
| Alistair Johnston | 6 |
| Ali Ahmed | 7 |
| Stephen Eustaquio | 7 |
| Niko Sigur | 6 |
| Tajon Buchanan | 6 |
| Tani Oluwaseyi | 6 |
| Jonathan David | 6 |
| Subs: | |
| Cyle Larin | 5 |
| Jacob Shaffelburg | 6 |
| Promise David | 5 |
| Jonathan Osorio | 5 |
| Jayden Nelson | 5 |
Morocco
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Yassine Bounou | 7 |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 7 |
| Redouane Halhal | 7 |
| Issa Diop | 7 |
| Achraf Hakimi | 8 |
| Ayyoub Bouaddi | 6 |
| Neil El Aynaoui | 6 |
| Azzedine Ounahi (Man of the Match) | 9 |
| Bilal El Khannouss | 6 |
| Ismael Saibari | N/A Injured after 22 minutes |
| Brahim Diaz | 8 |
| Subs: | |
| Soufiane Rahimi | 7 |
| Sofyan Amrabat | 6 |
| Chemsdine Talbi | 7 |
| Marwane Saadane | N/A |
| Samir El Mourabet | N/A |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Canada | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals | 0.85 | 0.79 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots on Goal | 3 (30%) | 4 (80%) |
| Big Chances Created | 1 | 3 |
| Big Chances Missed | 1 | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 272 (76%) | 389 (82%) |
| Duels Won | 52 | 58 |
| Saves | 1 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 24 | 14 |
