Kha Y Tran Morocco reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after beating Canada 3-0. The co-hosts controlled much of the game. However, they could not score. Meanwhile, Morocco stayed patient. They also took every big chance.
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half. Later, Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time. As a result, the Atlas Lions became the first team to reach the last eight.
Canada created many chances. However, they could not beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou often enough. That proved costly.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAYjtcpoaf0
Canada Start the Match Strongly
Canada started with confidence. The co-hosts attacked from the first whistle. They pressed high and forced Morocco deep into their own half.
Jonathan David looked dangerous early. Meanwhile, Tani Oluwaseyi made several smart runs behind the defense. Luc De Fougerolles also caused problems from set pieces.
However, Morocco stayed calm. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several excellent saves. First, he denied David from close range. Then he stopped shots from Oluwaseyi and De Fougerolles.
Canada controlled possession for most of the first half. Even so, they could not find the opening goal.
Canada pushed forward, pressing Morocco from the opening whistle (Photo: Reuters)
Morocco Take the Lead
The match changed after halftime. Morocco had created very little before the break. However, they only needed one chance.
In the 50th minute, Morocco won a free kick on the right wing. The cross reached Azzedine Ounahi near the edge of the box. He hit the ball first time. His shot flew into the near corner and beat Maxime Crépeau. It was Morocco’s first shot on target.
The goal changed the game. Canada kept attacking. However, they also left more space behind their defense.
Outahi opened the scoring for Morocco against Canada (Photo: Reuters)
Ounahi Scores Again
Canada pushed more players forward. Therefore, Morocco found more room on the counterattack. In the 82nd minute, Brahim Díaz led a quick break. He then played a perfect pass to Ounahi.
The midfielder finished first time. His shot found the top corner to make it 2-0. Morocco had now scored with both of their shots on target.
Meanwhile, Canada continued to miss good chances. That difference decided the match.
Onahani scored a brace against Canada (Photo: Reuters)
Rahimi Seals the Victory
Canada kept pushing until the final minutes. They hoped to score and start a comeback. Instead, Morocco struck again.
Deep into stoppage time, Brahim Díaz played another excellent through ball. Soufiane Rahimi stayed calm and guided a left-footed shot into the far corner. The goal made it 3-0.
Soon afterward, the referee blew the final whistle. Morocco had secured an impressive victory and a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Photo: Reuters
Bounou Makes the Difference
Ounahi scored twice. However, Yassine Bounou was just as important. The goalkeeper kept Morocco in the game during the first half. He made several excellent saves when Canada looked close to scoring.
As the match continued, Morocco’s defense stayed compact. Every player worked hard behind the ball. They blocked passing lanes and limited clear chances.
Because of that discipline, Morocco could wait for the right moments to counterattack.
Their plan worked perfectly.
Photo: Reuters
Canada Pay for Missed Chances
Canada played with confidence for long periods. The co-hosts finished with more possession and more shots. They also spent much of the match inside Morocco’s half.
However, football often rewards the team that finishes better. Canada failed to take their early opportunities. Meanwhile, Morocco punished almost every mistake.
Despite the defeat, Canada can still be proud of reaching the Round of 16. The team showed fight and determination throughout the tournament.
Even so, their World Cup journey ended earlier than they had hoped.
Morocco Continue Their Impressive World Cup Run
Morocco once again proved why they are one of the toughest teams in the tournament. Instead of chasing possession, they focused on defending well. Then they attacked quickly whenever space appeared. The strategy worked perfectly.
Ounahi finished the match with two excellent goals. Meanwhile, Brahim Díaz provided two assists and controlled Morocco’s counterattacks. Rahimi completed the scoring with a calm finish in added time.
Bounou also delivered another outstanding performance. His saves gave Morocco the confidence to stay patient before taking control of the match.
With another clean sheet, the Atlas Lions move into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals full of confidence. If they keep defending this well and stay clinical in front of goal, they will be a serious threat to every remaining team in the tournament.
Read more:
World Cup 2026: Morocco Complete Stunning Upset
World Cup 2026: Canada’s First Knockout Victory
#WorldCup2026 #Morocco #Canada
