Morocco delivered a clinical second-half performance to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, securing a place in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament. The Atlas Lions weathered early Canadian pressure before taking complete control after the break, thanks to a brilliant brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a late goal from Soufiane Rahimi.
The victory sends Morocco into the last eight with growing confidence, while Canada’s memorable World Cup journey comes to an emotional end after an inspiring tournament on home soil.
Match Summary
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USA
Full-Time Result:
Canada 0-3 Morocco
Goals:
- Azzedine Ounahi – 50′
- Azzedine Ounahi – 82′
- Soufiane Rahimi – 90+8′
First Half: Canada Waste Early Chances
Canada began the match with confidence, creating several promising opportunities during the opening half-hour. The hosts pressed aggressively and forced Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into important saves as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Morocco struggled to establish their rhythm and even suffered an early setback when striker Ismael Saibari left the field through injury. Despite Canada’s dominance, the breakthrough never arrived, allowing the Atlas Lions to regroup before halftime.
Ounahi Inspires Morocco After the Break
The second half told a completely different story.
Just five minutes after the restart, Achraf Hakimi delivered an intelligent set-piece that found Azzedine Ounahi, who calmly slotted home to give Morocco a 1-0 lead.
The goal shifted the momentum entirely. Canada pushed forward in search of an equalizer, leaving gaps at the back that Morocco exploited perfectly.
In the 82nd minute, Ounahi struck again after a lightning-fast counterattack, finishing confidently to double Morocco’s advantage and effectively end Canada’s hopes.
Rahimi Seals an Emphatic Victory
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed another devastating counterattack to score Morocco’s third goal.
The 3-0 scoreline reflected Morocco’s ruthless finishing rather than the balance of the entire contest, as the African side punished nearly every defensive mistake Canada made after halftime.
Canada Exit With Heads Held High
Although eliminated, Canada leaves the tournament with plenty of positives.
The co-host nation reached the knockout stage for the first time and recorded historic World Cup achievements throughout the competition. Their attacking style and fearless performances won admiration from fans around the world, even if they ultimately fell short against a highly efficient Moroccan side.
Morocco Eye Another Historic Run
Morocco continues to prove that their remarkable 2022 World Cup campaign was no coincidence.
After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final four years ago, the Atlas Lions are once again among the tournament’s strongest contenders. Their disciplined defending, dangerous counterattacks, and experienced squad make them one of the most difficult teams remaining in the competition.
They will now face France in a blockbuster quarter-final after the French edged Paraguay 1-0 later on the same day.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Canada | Morocco |
| Result | 0 | 3 |
| Goals | 0 | 3 |
| First Goal | — | Ounahi (50′) |
| Top Scorer | — | Ounahi (2) |
| Qualification | Eliminated | Quarter-finals |
