Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions shrugged off a competitive first half from the Canadians and exploded after the break, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring a brilliant brace and Soufiane Rahimi adding a stoppage-time third to send Morocco marching on.
Match Report
Canada started brightly and created several chances in the first half, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies (despite reported fitness concerns) threatening the Moroccan defense. However, they failed to convert their pressure, and Yassine Bounou remained largely untested.
Morocco took control after halftime. In the 50th minute, Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring with a composed finish from outside the box following a free-kick by Achraf Hakimi. He doubled his tally in the 82nd minute with another clinical strike on a swift counter-attack.
Deep into stoppage time (90+8'), Soufiane Rahimi sealed the rout with a cool finish assisted by Brahim Díaz, completing a comprehensive victory.
Full-time: Canada 0-3 Morocco Goals: Azzedine Ounahi 50', 82'; Soufiane Rahimi 90'+8'
Historic Milestone for Morocco
The Atlas Lions become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in back-to-back tournaments. They now face the winner of France vs Paraguay in the last eight on July 9 in Boston.
For Canada, the dream ends in the Round of 16 — still a proud achievement as co-hosts making their deepest-ever run at a World Cup. Jesse Marsch’s side showed promise but were ultimately outclassed by a more clinical Moroccan outfit.
Key Performers
- Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) — Man of the Match: Scored a superb brace and dictated the midfield.
- Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco) — Clinical finish to round off the scoring.
- Achraf Hakimi & Brahim Díaz (Morocco) — Provided key assists and energy.
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco) — Solid in goal with important interventions.
Morocco continue to defy expectations and write history for African football. Their tactical discipline and second-half dominance proved decisive.
Stay tuned for more 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage as the quarter-finals approach.