Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 on July 4, 2026, in Houston, ending Canada's historic run as the first co-host to exit the tournament. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third to send the Atlas Lions to the quarter-finals.
Morocco's Clinical Second Half Ends Canadian Dream
After a first half high on fouls and bookings but low on goal-mouth action, Morocco transformed after the break. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi fired the opener on 50 minutes, sweeping in a low free-kick from captain Achraf Hakimi. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view blocked by defenders, and the ball also went through Rahimi's legs.
Canada pushed for an equalizer, but Ounahi scored his second on 82 minutes, finishing first-time on a breakaway. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi slipped in the third in the 98th minute, the last kick of the match, to seal the victory.
Canada's Historic Run Ends
Canada entered the contest in uncharted territory, having won a World Cup match and then a knockout game for the first time to reach the last 16. They were clear underdogs, with Morocco supporters outnumbering Canadian fans at the air-conditioned Houston Stadium, which had a crowd of 68,777.
Yet Canada looked the more confident early on. Tani Oluwaseyi forced Morocco's Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to save with a stretched-out leg after 10 minutes. Defender Alistair Johnston failed to make the most of a free header from a corner. Morocco were rattled.
Injury Blow and Flashpoint
After 20 minutes, Morocco suffered a big injury blow as Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three times at the tournament, came off for Rahimi. Immediately after the drinks break, Rahimi had a go optimistically from distance, registering Morocco's first shot on target.
There was a flashpoint shortly before half-time when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada defender Richie Laryea had a brief shoving match, with both shown yellow cards. Referee Michael Oliver booked six players — four from Morocco — in a half high on niggly fouls and low on goal-mouth action.
What's Next for Morocco?
The 2022 semi-finalists Morocco will face title favourites France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals. Canada, meanwhile, exit the tournament as the first co-host to be eliminated, but with their heads held high after making history by reaching the knockout stage.
