Morocco is the primary group to ebook a spot within the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston, Softfootball experiences.
The Atlas Lions, semifinalists in Qatar 2022, needed to face up to early Canadian strain as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced wonderful saves to disclaim Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. Morocco additionally suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari was compelled off injured after 22 minutes, with Soufiane Rahimi changing him.
After a quiet first half, Morocco took management 5 minutes after the restart. Captain Achraf Hakimi’s intelligent free-kick discovered Azzedine Ounahi, who swept a low end into the underside nook to interrupt the impasse.
Canada continued to create alternatives, however Bounou remained excellent, retaining out efforts from David and Tajon Buchanan to protect Morocco’s lead.
With eight minutes remaining, Brahim Diaz led a swift counterattack earlier than establishing Ounahi for his second objective of the match. Rahimi then sealed the victory in stoppage time after earlier hanging the crossbar, finishing a medical 3-0 triumph.
The victory extends Morocco’s unbeaten run to 33 matches and makes them the primary African nation to succeed in the World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments. They may now face both France or Paraguay for a spot within the semifinals.
Participant Scores
Canada
| Participant | Score |
|---|---|
| Maxime Crépeau | 6 |
| Richie Laryea | 6 |
| Luc De Fougerolles | 6 |
| Moise Bombito | 6 |
| Alistair Johnston | 6 |
| Ali Ahmed | 7 |
| Stephen Eustaquio | 7 |
| Niko Sigur | 6 |
| Tajon Buchanan | 6 |
| Tani Oluwaseyi | 6 |
| Jonathan David | 6 |
| Subs: | |
| Cyle Larin | 5 |
| Jacob Shaffelburg | 6 |
| Promise David | 5 |
| Jonathan Osorio | 5 |
| Jayden Nelson | 5 |
Morocco
| Participant | Score |
|---|---|
| Yassine Bounou | 7 |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 7 |
| Redouane Halhal | 7 |
| Issa Diop | 7 |
| Achraf Hakimi | 8 |
| Ayyoub Bouaddi | 6 |
| Neil El Aynaoui | 6 |
| Azzedine Ounahi (Man of the Match) | 9 |
| Bilal El Khannouss | 6 |
| Ismael Saibari | N/A Injured after 22 minutes |
| Brahim Diaz | 8 |
| Subs: | |
| Soufiane Rahimi | 7 |
| Sofyan Amrabat | 6 |
| Chemsdine Talbi | 7 |
| Marwane Saadane | N/A |
| Samir El Mourabet | N/A |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Canada | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Anticipated Targets | 0.85 | 0.79 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Photographs on Objective | 3 (30%) | 4 (80%) |
| Large Possibilities Created | 1 | 3 |
| Large Possibilities Missed | 1 | 1 |
| Correct Passes | 272 (76%) | 389 (82%) |
| Duels Received | 52 | 58 |
| Saves | 1 | 3 |
| Fouls Dedicated | 24 | 14 |
