Morocco Downs Canada 3-0 to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Azzedine Ounahi delivered a brilliant performance to secure Morocco's place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals and the first African team to reach consecutive World Cup quarterfinals, after defeating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 at Houston Stadium on Sunday.

Ounahi was the star of the Atlas Lions' victory with two second-half goals, while Soufiane Rahimi also scored.

This victory sent Morocco into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Paraguay and France.

Morocco became the first team in the 48-team World Cup to reach the quarterfinals.

Canada played more aggressively from the start. Tani Oluwaseyi had a golden opportunity in the 10th minute after he dribbled past a Moroccan defender in the penalty area.

However, goalkeeper Yassine Bono made a quick save to thwart the opportunity.

Until midway through the first half, Canada continued to pressure the Moroccan defense. Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions, who had the majority of possession, struggled to create any dangerous chances.

In the 40th minute, the match heated up after a confrontation between Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea. Referee Michael Oliver showed both players yellow cards.

No goals were scored until halftime. The first half was marked by five yellow cards: Canada received two, Morocco three.

Morocco finally broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Ounahi unleashed a low shot from outside the penalty area that the Canadian goalkeeper couldn't stop after connecting with Hakimi's free kick.

Canada increased the intensity of their attacks in an attempt to equalize. However, Morocco displayed disciplined defense while waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

In the 78th minute, Bono once again demonstrated his quality as a top goalkeeper by tipping over Tajon Buchanan's powerful shot from outside the penalty area.

Four minutes later, Ounahi got on the scoresheet again. Brahim Diaz tricked an opponent in the penalty area, then passed the ball to Ounahi, who calmly finished for Morocco's second goal. 2-0 to the Atlas Lions.

Morocco nearly increased their lead in the 84th minute when Rahimi's header from a cross hit the crossbar.

Rahimi finally got on the scoresheet in injury time.

The Moroccan striker finished off a counterattack to seal a 3-0 victory and secure the Atlas Lions' place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.

Starting Lineups:

Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Sigur, De Fourgerolles, Laryea (Shaffelburg 78'); Buchanan, Eustaquio, Ali Ahmed (Promise David 78'); Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi (Larin 63').

Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi (Amrabat 63'); Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss (Talbi 63'); Saibari (Rahimi 22').

Kylian Mbappe Sends France Past Paraguay into World Cup Last Eight

2 jam lalu

Morocco vs Canada: Atlas Lions Favored to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

15 jam lalu

Today's Top 3 News: World Cup Round of 16 Schedule, Qualified Teams

17 jam lalu

Colombia Beat Ghana 1-0 to Complete 2026 World Cup Last-16 Lineup

20 jam lalu

2026 World Cup Round of 16: Full Fixtures and Kickoff Times

21 jam lalu

2026 World Cup Preview: Paraguay vs France in Round of 16 Clash

22 jam lalu

2026 World Cup: Argentina Advances, Egypt Awaits in Round of 16

1 hari lalu

The Downfall: Julian Nagelsmann Out as Germany Coach

1 hari lalu

Today's Top 3 News: Fastest Football Players in the 2026 World Cup

1 hari lalu

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Full Fixtures and Qualified Teams

1 hari lalu