Morocco Defeats Canada 3-0, Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals for Second Consecutive Time
by KI SU JEONGPosted : July 5, 2026, 06:08Updated : July 5, 2026, 06:08
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Canada's Alistair Johnston (left) competes for a header against Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi during the Round of 16 match at the 2026 North America World Cup in Houston, Texas, on July 4. [Photo: AP=Yonhap News]
Morocco defeated co-host Canada 3-0, securing a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament.
Morocco triumphed in the Round of 16 match at Houston Stadium on July 4, thanks to two goals from Azzedine Ounahi and an additional goal from Sofiane Rahimi. After reaching the semifinals in the Qatar World Cup, Morocco has now advanced to the quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments. They will face the winner of the match between France and Paraguay in the next round.
Canada started the match strong, applying intense pressure on Morocco. However, they were repeatedly thwarted by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's impressive saves. Morocco faced an early setback when Ismaël Saïbari suffered a thigh injury, prompting the early substitution of Rahimi.
The game turned in the second half. In the 50th minute, Ounahi scored the opening goal with a right-footed shot following a free kick from Achraf Hakimi. Ounahi added another goal in the 82nd minute, finishing off a pass from Brahim Diaz to extend the lead. Canada attempted a comeback, even involving their goalkeeper in the attack, but conceded a final goal to Rahimi during stoppage time, sealing their defeat.
While Canada achieved a historic milestone by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in World Cup history, their journey ended there. Despite the injury to Saïbari, Morocco maintained a solid performance throughout the tournament, once again making their mark in the quarterfinals.
