Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston, becoming the first team to reach the last eight of the tournament.
The encounter began with high intensity, producing six yellow cards in the opening half. Morocco also suffered a setback after leading scorer Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury.
Although Canada controlled much of the possession, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered an outstanding performance to deny the hosts any breakthrough.
Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a well-worked set-piece before adding his second goal on a swift counter-attack in the 82nd minute. Soufiane Rahimi completed the victory with a goal deep into stoppage time.
The win extends Morocco’s unbeaten run and makes them the first African nation to qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Canada’s exit also marks the first time a co-host has been eliminated from the expanded 2026 tournament, despite receiving praise for their determined performances throughout the competition.
Morocco will now travel to New England for their quarter-final clash on July 9, where they will face the winner of the match between France and Paraguay.
