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Canada’s historic run at the FIFA World Cup ended Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the round of 16 in Houston, Texas.
While many Canadians were heartbroken after the men’s national team’s deepest World Cup run came to an end, thousands more took to the streets and restaurants to celebrate.
In cities such as Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, members of Canada’s Moroccan community cheered as Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals.
One of the biggest names behind Morocco’s success also has ties to Canada.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal before moving to Morocco as a child, helped seal Morocco’s win.
Bounou has been one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers throughout the World Cup so far.
In Montreal’s Petit Maghreb neighborhood, dozens of people gathered at restaurants along Jean-Talon Street wearing red Moroccan T-shirts and waving Moroccan flags.
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After a tense first half in which Canada controlled the game for long periods, celebrations erupted when Morocco scored early in the second half.
A large police presence, including mounted officers and officers wearing riot gear, monitored the celebrations and attempted to keep crowds on the sidewalks at bay.
More than 4,500 kilometers away in Vancouver, about 60 fans packed a Moroccan restaurant in Yaletown to watch the game.
Otto Outn, who traveled from Morocco and now lives in Vancouver, praised Canada’s performance despite the result.
“Canada played like a very strong and confident team. They put Morocco behind a little,” he said. “But then in the second half we were able to score two goals, finishing with the third goal. Congratulations.”
Christa Aucy, honorary consul of the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, said the meeting reflected the strength of the local Moroccan community.
“We feel great. It’s a great day,” he said. “It was amazing to play against Canada. It was truly an honor, and a great game.”
Restaurant owner Mohamed El Haddi said the World Cup had brought the local Moroccan community together.
“We’ve done this before, but more and more people are getting excited as we progress,” he said.
Morocco will face France in the quarter-finals on Thursday, while Canada’s tournament ends after its deepest run ever on football’s biggest stage.
– With files from Dan Spector, Global News
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
