FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco Crush Canada 3-0 To Enter Quarter-Finals

Published 5 July 2026 · sports

FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco Crush Canada 3-0 To Enter Quarter-Finals Published By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 07:10 IST Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as

FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco Crush Canada 3-0 To Enter Quarter-Finals Published By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 07:10 IST Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi scored the third goal with the last kick of the match. (AP Photo) A ruthless second-half display saw Morocco crush Canada 3-0 on Saturday as they knocked out the co-hosts to enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. The 2022 semi-finalists will next face France France as the competition enters its business end. After a first half dominated by Canada but short on clear chances, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. Canada, playing the biggest match in their footballing history, pressed hard for an equaliser. However, Ounahi struck again late on to extinguish the challenge from Jesse Marsch’s side before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third with the final kick of the game. “It’s a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives," said Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi. “We reacted very well in the second half in the second balls and the duels. I have to recognise that Canada were impressive, they played a top match. It was no surprise for us, but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us, that was the key." The final score was harsh on Canada, who had been the better side before Morocco‘s opener in front of a crowd of 68,777 as they looked to extend an already historic tournament run.

Marsch praised his team’s approach despite the defeat. “What a privilege our fans have had to root on a team like this — that goes after the game, does not play defensive. We have to be in these situations more and more and find ways to succeed, and we have to build from that. As good as Morocco are, I’d rather be us. I’m really proud of our guys. We went after the game and they are really hurting right now, but I couldn’t be prouder," Marsch said. Canada had entered the round of 16 on unfamiliar ground after claiming both their first World Cup victory and first knockout win to reach the last 16. Although considered clear underdogs and backed by a smaller contingent than Morocco’s supporters inside the air-conditioned Houston Stadium, Canada made the brighter start. Tani Oluwaseyi forced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal, into a sharp save with an outstretched leg after turning inside the penalty area in the 10th minute. Canada continued to threaten from set pieces, and defender Alistair Johnston failed to capitalise on a free header from their fourth corner of the opening half as Morocco struggled to settle. Morocco suffered a significant setback after 20 minutes when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals during the tournament, was forced off with an injury and replaced by Rahimi.