By Opeyemi Adelakun
Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday, ending the co-host nation’s historic campaign in Houston.
The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, produced a clinical second-half performance to eliminate Canada and keep alive their hopes of another memorable run at the global tournament.
Despite Morocco’s eventual dominance, Canada enjoyed the brighter start and created the better chances in the opening half. Tani Oluwaseyi forced goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into an early save, while defender Alistair Johnston missed a golden opportunity from a corner kick.
The first half produced few clear-cut chances but was marked by physical challenges, with referee Michael Oliver issuing six yellow cards as both sides battled for control.
Morocco emerged a transformed side after the restart and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. Captain Achraf Hakimi delivered a low free-kick into the path of Azzedine Ounahi, who fired a first-time effort past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to give the North Africans the lead.
Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco remained dangerous on the counterattack. Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute, finishing another swift attacking move to put the result beyond doubt.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the rout deep into stoppage time, calmly slotting home Morocco’s third goal with virtually the last kick of the game.
The victory sends Morocco into the last eight, where they will face the winners of the round-of-16 clash between France and Paraguay.
For Canada, the defeat brings an end to a memorable tournament in which they reached the knockout stage and secured their first-ever World Cup victory, although they become the first of the three host nations to exit the competition.
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