Key Takeaways:
- Morocco secured a 3-0 victory over Canada, becoming the first team to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals
- Azzedine Ounahi scored twice for Morocco, while Soufiane Rahimi netted a late third
- Canada, co-hosts of the tournament, were eliminated despite progressing beyond the group stage for the first time
Match Overview
Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 result over co-hosts Canada, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 matches. This win also made Canada the first co-hosts to exit the competition.
Despite being seen as underdogs prior to kick-off, Canada began on the front foot. Tani Oluwaseyi had an early chance inside 15 minutes, but his effort was denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Opportunities remained scarce for the rest of the half, though Alistair Johnston had a headed effort at goal that failed to trouble the visitors’ defence.
Morocco secure their place in the last eight! 💫#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026
First Half Analysis
Morocco struggled to make an impact during the opening period and were largely limited to long-range efforts. The only notable attempt came from Soufiane Rahimi, whose shot was easily saved by Canadian keeper Maxime Crepeau. Both teams went into the interval without a breakthrough, and Morocco’s attack had not truly threatened the Canadian goal.
Second Half Transformation
The interval proved pivotal for Morocco. Within five minutes of the restart, an inventive free-kick routine saw Achraf Hakimi deliver to an unmarked Azzedine Ounahi, who buried his finish into the bottom corner to give the North Africans the lead. Canada struggled to mount a meaningful response, with their last effort on target still being Oluwaseyi’s early attempt from the 11th minute.
Jonathan David had a chance to level from a free-kick near the edge of the box but sent his shot well over with just over 10 minutes remaining. In an attempt to change the game’s momentum, Canada coach Jesse Marsch made some substitutions, and Tajon Buchanan forced Bounou into a save with a powerful strike from distance.
Late Goals and Historic Achievement
Canada’s push for an equaliser left them exposed at the back. Brahim Diaz broke down the right and unselfishly set up Ounahi, whose emphatic finish into the roof of the net secured Morocco’s progression. In stoppage time, Soufiane Rahimi added further gloss with a third goal, rounding out the scoreline with almost the last kick of the match.
Morocco have now claimed seven wins from their last nine knockout games at major tournaments, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders later in the competition.
Although Canada were eliminated, they exit having made history by moving beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time.
