By Daily Review Online
Morocco became the first team to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after producing a dominant second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Houston on Saturday.
After surviving a lively first-half performance from Canada, the Atlas Lions took control after the break, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice before Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time goal to seal an emphatic victory.
Canada started brightly and pressed Morocco high, creating early pressure but failing to convert their chances. The hosts’ intensity faded in the second half as Morocco’s quality and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Ounahi broke the deadlock before completing his brace with a superb finish following a swift counterattack in the 82nd minute. Rahimi, who came on as a first-half substitute, wrapped up the victory deep into stoppage time after another rapid breakaway.
The win sends Morocco into the World Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament, making them the first nation to reach the last eight at the 2026 finals. They will face the winners of the France-Paraguay Round of 16 match in Boston next Thursday.
Morocco also strengthened their place in African football history, accounting for half of the continent’s eight World Cup knockout victories.
For Canada, the defeat ends a memorable campaign and makes them the first of the tournament’s three co-hosts to be eliminated. Despite an energetic display in the opening half, Jesse Marsch’s side could not maintain the pace as Morocco’s experience and attacking quality took over.