Morocco Thrash Co-hosts Canada 3-0 to Storm World Cup Quarter-finals

Morocco defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, ending Canada’s historic campaign and setting up a clash with France or Paraguay.

Morocco secured a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada on Saturday in Houston to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, will now face either France or Paraguay in the last eight as they continue their impressive run.

Canada, playing in the biggest match in their World Cup history, made a bright 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 free header from a corner.

Morocco struggled to create meaningful opportunities before the break and also suffered an injury setback when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari was forced off, with Soufiane Rahimi replacing him.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the North Africans.

Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, meeting a low free-kick from captain Achraf Hakimi with a first-time finish from outside the penalty area.

Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco remained dangerous on the counterattack. Ounahi doubled his tally in the 82nd minute with another composed finish to put the result beyond doubt.

Rahimi completed the scoring with the final kick of the game in the 98th minute, capitalising on a late opportunity to seal a comprehensive victory.

The defeat brought Canada’s memorable tournament to an end after the co-hosts had recorded their first-ever World Cup victory and knockout-stage win earlier in the competition.

Morocco’s victory reinforces Africa’s strong showing at the tournament as they continue their pursuit of a historic World Cup triumph.