Morocco eliminates Canada 3-0, Ounahi brace sends Atlas Lions to World Cup quarters

Pre-match context

Canada, coached by American Jesse Marsch, entered their first World Cup knockout match after a group-stage draw with Bosnia and wins over Qatar and South Africa. Morocco, under coach Ouahbi, had drawn with Brazil and beaten the Netherlands on penalties in the previous round, despite having one fewer rest day after 120 minutes in Monterrey.

First half: Canada pressure, no breakthrough

Canada started with a 4-4-2, Jonathan David and Oluwaseyi up front. In the 5th minute, David's angled shot was turned behind by Yassine Bounou. Five minutes later, Oluwaseyi broke free but Bounou rushed out to block with his foot. Morocco lost Ismael Saibari to a muscle injury in the 22nd minute, a significant loss as he was their leading scorer with three goals. Canada continued to press but could not find the net, and the half ended 0-0.

Second half: Ounahi breaks the deadlock

Morocco emerged transformed. In the 50th minute, Achraf Hakimi's low free-kick from the right found Ounahi, whose first-time strike beat Maxime Crépeau at the far post. The goal deflated Canada, who had expended much energy in the first half. Bounou later denied David's free-kick and Buchanan's long-range effort.

Morocco pulls away

With Canada chasing, Morocco struck on the counter. In the 82nd minute, Brahim Diaz carried the ball forward and squared for Ounahi to fire into the roof of the net for his second. Rahimi then headed against the crossbar before finally scoring in the 98th minute, converting Diaz's pass to make it 3-0.

Historical significance

Morocco's victory made them the first African team to reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals, following their semifinal run in 2022. Canada, one of three host nations, saw their best-ever World Cup campaign end in Houston.

Quarterfinal awaits

Morocco will meet the winner of France vs Paraguay, scheduled for later on July 4 in Boston.