Morocco Cruise Past Canada to Reach 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals

Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, producing a clinical second-half display after surviving early Canadian pressure.

The Atlas Lions were made to work hard in the opening 45 minutes as Canada controlled possession and created the better chances. Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi both tested goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, while Morocco were forced into an early setback when in-form forward Ismael Saibari left the pitch through injury.

After the break, Morocco completely changed the complexion of the match.

Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a superb finish following a cleverly worked free-kick involving Achraf Hakimi. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Morocco's favour as Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

With eight minutes remaining, Ounahi struck again to double Morocco's advantage, finishing off a swift counterattack to put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi then sealed an emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, adding a third goal to complete a memorable afternoon for the African champions.

The victory sends Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament, underlining their emergence as one of international football's most consistent forces. They will now face either France or Paraguay in the last eight.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to a historic campaign. The co-hosts reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, but were unable to convert a promising first-half performance into goals against a disciplined Moroccan side.