Morocco beats Canada 3-0 to become first African team in consecutive World Cup quarterfinals
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston, becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments.
Match overview
Morocco opened the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Canada at the climate-controlled NRG Stadium in Houston. Azzedine Ounahi struck in the 50th and 82nd minutes, and Soufiane Rahimi added a third deep into stoppage time (90+8). The result sends the Atlas Lions into the quarterfinals, where they will face either Paraguay or France.
Historical significance
No African team had ever reached the quarterfinals in two consecutive World Cups before. Morocco, who finished fourth in Qatar 2022, now stand alone. Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) each made one quarterfinal appearance but failed to repeat the feat. Morocco’s run confirms that their 2022 campaign was not a one-off.
First half: Canada’s missed chances
Canada, one of three tournament co-hosts, started brightly. Jonathan David hesitated in the 4th minute and wasted an early opening, and Tani Oluwaseyi forced a sharp save from Yassine Bounou in the 11th. Morocco suffered a blow when striker Ismael Saibari limped off injured in the 22nd minute, replaced by Rahimi. The half was disjointed, with six yellow cards (four for Morocco) and no goals.
- Jonathan David hesitates and misses an early chance for Canada.
- Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot is saved by Yassine Bounou’s leg.
- Ismael Saibari leaves the pitch injured; Soufiane Rahimi replaces him.
- Azzedine Ounahi scores from a Hakimi free-kick to make it 1-0.
- Ounahi finishes a counter-attack after a Brahim Diaz run for 2-0.
- Soufiane Rahimi adds a third goal in stoppage time.
Second half: Morocco takes control
Morocco emerged from the break with more purpose. Achraf Hakimi’s low free-kick from the right found Ounahi, who drilled a low shot past Maxime Crepeau from 16 metres. Canada pushed for an equaliser but could not beat Bounou, and Jonathan David missed a free-kick in the 78th minute. Morocco sealed the win on the counter: Brahim Diaz carried the ball into the box and squared for Ounahi to score his second. Rahimi then capped the night with a third goal in the eighth minute of added time.
What’s next
Morocco await the winner of Paraguay versus France. Canada become the first host nation eliminated from the tournament, having reached the last 16 after beating South Africa on penalties in the previous round.
