Morocco crush Canada 3-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
Morocco strengthened their reputation as one of the world's rising football powers after defeating co-host Canada 3-0 to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
A second-half masterclass led by Azzedine Ounahi proved too much for the Canadians, whose memorable home tournament came to an end despite making history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
The Atlas Lions will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of another historic World Cup campaign.
Ounahi breaks Canadian resistance
Canada frustrated Morocco for much of the opening half, defending with discipline while looking to threaten on the counterattack. However, the breakthrough arrived shortly after halftime.
Achraf Hakimi rolled a clever free-kick into the path of Azzedine Ounahi, who unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area that flew through a crowded box before nestling into the bottom corner.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in Morocco's favour and forced Canada to push further forward in search of an equaliser.
Morocco take complete control
As Canada committed more players in attack, Morocco punished the additional space. With eight minutes remaining, Brahim Díaz threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Ounahi, who calmly finished from close range to double Morocco's advantage and effectively end the contest.
The North Africans continued to dominate possession during the closing stages, demonstrating the composure and tactical maturity that has become their trademark on the international stage.
Deep into stoppage time, Soufiane Rahimi added further gloss to the scoreline, finishing clinically to seal an emphatic 3-0 victory.
Canada's historic campaign ends
Although the defeat ended Canada's World Cup dream, the tournament represented a major milestone for the co-host nation.
Canada reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history before recording their maiden FIFA World Cup knockout victory by defeating South Africa in the Round of 32.
Under Jesse Marsch, the Canadians exceeded expectations and established themselves as one of the tournament's surprise packages.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, their performances throughout the competition suggest Canadian football continues to move in a positive direction ahead of future international tournaments.
Morocco's Golden Generation marches on
Morocco's latest victory further cements their status as Africa's leading force on the global stage. After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, the Atlas Lions have once again advanced to the quarter-finals, becoming the first African country to achieve that feat on multiple occasions.
Their blend of defensive discipline, technical quality and attacking efficiency has made Walid Regragui's side one of the most complete teams remaining in the competition.
With stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi and Yassine Bounou leading the way, Morocco now head into the quarter-finals believing another deep World Cup run is within reach.
Quarter-final awaits
Morocco will now prepare for one of their toughest tests yet when they meet either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals.
Confidence within the squad continues to grow as they seek to become the first African nation to reach multiple FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
Match Summary
Morocco 3-0 Canada
Goals
- Azzedine Ounahi (50')
- Azzedine Ounahi (82')
- Soufiane Rahimi (90+)
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