FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco beats Canada 3-0 to secure place in quarter-finals

Morocco produced an impressive second-half performance to beat Canada 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals in commanding fashion.

The match began cautiously, with both teams showing discipline and determination as they battled for control in the midfield.

Canada attempted to assert itself early, while Morocco relied on combinations of quick passing and attacking movement to create openings.

However, clear-cut chances were limited as both teams remained compact at the back.

Morocco received their first yellow card of the match in the 20th minute when Redouane Halhal received a yellow card for a late challenge.

Two minutes later, the North Africans were forced into an early adjustment when Soufiane Rahimi came on to replace Ismael Saibari.

Despite the substitution, Morocco continued to push forward, with Achraf Hakimi playing an influential role on the right wing and linking up effectively with his teammates.

Hakimi was booked in the 40th minute, while Canadian Richie Laryea also entered the referee’s book moments later following a physical problem.

Jonathan David was booked in the 43rd minute as tensions mounted towards the end of the opening period.

Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi received a yellow card in the 45th minute, while Bilal El Khannouss was also booked in injury time as the first half ended goalless.

The score remained level at the break, Morocco appearing the more threatening team, enjoying better ball possession and looking more dangerous every time they moved into the attacking third zone.

Canada began the second half hoping to gain momentum, but found it difficult to contain Morocco’s pace and movement.

The problems increased in the 49th minute, when Luc De Fougerolles was booked for a foul, and just a minute later, Morocco finally managed to assert their dominance.

Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a precise shot following a precise assist from Hakimi, sending the Moroccan fans into celebration.

The goal gave more confidence to the African team who dictated the pace of the match and prevented Canada from building significant attacks.

Morocco refreshed their team in the 63rd minute, introducing Sofyan Amrabat and Chemsdine Talbi in place of Bouaddi and El Khannouss to maintain their intensity in midfield.

Canada responded by bringing in Cyle Larin for Tani Oluwaseyi in an attempt to bolster their offensive options.

However, Morocco remained organized and disciplined, frustrating Canada’s efforts to find an equalizer.

Larin received a yellow card in the 67th minute as Canada’s frustrations became increasingly apparent.

Canada made further substitutions in the 79th minute, bringing on Ali Ahmed and Jacob Shaffelburg to inject new energy, but Morocco continued to control possession and looked dangerous on the counterattack.

Morocco finally doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Ounahi, who completed his brace after being brilliantly set up by Brahim Diaz.

The midfielder showed composure inside the penalty area before directing his shot past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Morocco made further changes in the 87th minute, introducing Mehdi Saadane and El Mourabet, while Ounahi left the field after producing one of his best performances of the tournament.

Canada also introduced Jayden Nelson and Jonathan Osorio in a final attempt to reduce the deficit, but Morocco’s defense remained solid and well organised.

While Canada pushed forward in search of a consolation goal, Morocco exploited the spaces left behind.

Their tenacity paid off until injury time, when Soufiane Rahimi found the back of the net in the 90+8th minute after receiving another well-weighted pass from Brahim Diaz.

The late goal completed a 3-0 aggregate victory and highlighted Morocco’s efficiency in attack.

Ounahi emerged as the protagonist of the match, scoring twice and controlling the situation in midfield.

Diaz recorded two assists and Hakimi contributed an assist in another influential performance.

The match was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, USA.

The victory demonstrated Morocco’s growing confidence and tactical discipline as they advanced to the quarter-finals.

Canada exited the tournament after struggling to cope with the quality, organization and offensive threat of the North African team.