Morocco eliminates co-host Canada 3-0 to reach World Cup quarterfinals, extending unbeaten run to 34 games
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 at NRG Stadium in Houston, becoming the first team to reach the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals and ending the co-hosts' historic campaign.
Match summary
Morocco delivered a clinical second-half performance to beat Canada 3-0 in the round of 16, advancing to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup. After a goalless first half in which Canada pressed high and created early chances, Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute and added a second in the 82nd. Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal (90+8). The match was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, with Morocco eliminating the first host nation of the tournament.
- Match begins at NRG Stadium, Houston; Canada presses high and creates early chances.
- Ismael Saibari injured and substituted, disrupting Morocco's attack.
- 0-0; first half ends with more yellow cards than shots on target, a World Cup first.
- Azzedine Ounahi scores the opening goal for Morocco.
- Ounahi scores his second goal, assisted by Brahim Diaz.
- Soufiane Rahimi seals the 3-0 win with a stoppage-time goal.
Morocco's efficiency
Morocco managed only five shots in the entire match, the lowest ever recorded by a team winning a World Cup knockout game. The first half featured more yellow cards than shots on target, a first in competition history. Despite Canada's physical dominance early on, Morocco's technical quality and tactical discipline proved decisive. Brahim Diaz provided two assists, bringing his total to four in World Cup knockout stages, a record for an African player. Captain Achraf Hakimi was a constant threat on the right flank, while goalkeeper Yassine Bono made crucial saves to deny Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi in the opening minutes.
Canada's historic run ends
Canada's campaign was the most successful in the nation's football history. The team earned its first ever World Cup point in the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, secured a first win against Qatar, and reached the knockout stage for the first time after beating South Africa. The squad rose from 112th in the FIFA rankings twelve years ago to a record 30th place. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the achievement unforgettable, and defender Kamal Miller, who played at the 2022 World Cup, said the progress represents a turning point for the sport in a country traditionally dominated by ice hockey.
The pride Les Rouges gave us is unforgettable and will forever be etched in our collective memory.
Coaches react
Canada coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged Morocco's ruthlessness.
Morocco's Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, rejected the idea that his team is still an underdog.It's hard to say we were better when you lose 3-0. They were lethal in the chances they created and we failed in the decisive moments.
Ouahbi also noted that his side never abandoned its identity despite intense pressure, and he expressed doubt that many teams would win by such a margin in the round of 16.We are no longer a surprise. That is a source of great pride. This is just the beginning.
What's next
Morocco will face the winner of the Paraguay-France match in the quarterfinals. The team extended its unbeaten streak to 34 games and equaled its best-ever World Cup finish, having reached the semifinals in 2022. For Canada, the tournament marked a breakthrough that players and officials hope will accelerate the growth of football across the country.
