Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada on Saturday in Houston.
The 2022 semi-finalists will now face either France or Paraguay in the last eight.
After a cagey first half dominated by fouls and bookings, Morocco broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half when midfielder Azzedine Ounahi swept home from an Achraf Hakimi free-kick.
Canada, playing in the biggest match in their World Cup history, pressed for an equaliser but were punished late on. Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute on a counter-attack before substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win with the final kick of the match.
Canada had enjoyed the better of the opening half, with Tani Oluwaseyi forcing a fine save from Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Alistair Johnston missing a free header from a corner.
Morocco suffered an early setback when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals at the tournament, was forced off through injury after 20 minutes.
The first half also saw a brief confrontation between Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea, with both players booked. Referee Michael Oliver issued six yellow cards before the interval.
Morocco emerged a different side after the break and took control through Ounahi’s opener. Canada struggled to respond as the North Africans managed the game confidently before adding two late goals to secure an emphatic victory and end the co-hosts’ historic World Cup campaign.
