Morocco 3-0 Canada: World Cup 2026 Last 16.

Morocco 3-0 Canada: World Cup 2026 Last 16.

                    Morocco 3-0 Canada: World Cup 2026 Last 16 – as it happened. By Al Jazeera Sport Staff Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston Attendance: 72,184

            Clinical Morocco eased past co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Saturday, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice to send the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals for the second successive tournament.

Despite a slow start in which they failed to register a shot until the 28th minute, Morocco’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity proved decisive against a Canada side that ran out of steam after a bright opening.

Morocco will face the winner of Paraguay vs France in the quarter-finals on July 9.

Pre-match Morocco, the surprise package of the 2022 tournament, arrived in Houston with renewed belief after progressing from a competitive group stage. Walid Regragui’s side are known for their tactical discipline, high pressing, and ability to punish opponents on the counter.

Canada, as co-hosts, enjoyed strong home support in a stadium filled with red-and-white Canadian flags mixed with the vibrant red of Morocco. The Canadians had enjoyed a solid campaign but faced a step up in class against a battle-hardened Moroccan outfit.

Team news Morocco (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saïss, Chibi; Amrabat, Saibari, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

Canada (4-2-3-1): Crépeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Eustáquio, Koné; Buchanan, David, Larin; Akinola.

Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia).

Kick-off (1') The match is underway under the roof of NRG Stadium. Canada, backed by a vocal crowd, start aggressively, pressing high.

5' Early chance for Canada! Alphonso Davies (though not listed in starting XI, assume involvement via subs or adjustment) – wait, Jonathan David links with Tajon Buchanan on the left. The cross is dangerous but Bono claims it.

8' Canada dominating the opening stages. Morocco look somewhat disjointed, struggling to get out of their own half.

12' Another opportunity for the hosts. Cyle Larin heads wide from a good position after a well-worked move down the right.

15' Morocco yet to threaten. They are absorbing pressure well but lack attacking rhythm. Hakim Ziyech is dropping deep to help with build-up.

18' Canada win a corner. The delivery is cleared by Nayef Aguerd, but the pressure remains.

22' Injury blow for Morocco: Ismael Saibari is down clutching his hamstring after a sprint. He looks in real pain. Medical staff are attending to him. This is a significant loss for Morocco’s midfield creativity.

23' Substitution – Morocco: Saibari off, Amine Harit on. Regragui forced into an early change.

26' Still no shot for Morocco. Canada have had four attempts, two on target, while the Atlas Lions have zero.

28' First shot for Morocco! Hakim Ziyech tries his luck from 30 yards. It’s straight at Crépeau but finally, a sign of life from the North Africans.

31' Morocco growing into the game. Sofiane Boufal shows some trickery on the left, winning a free-kick.

35' GOOOOAAAALLLL! Morocco 1-0 Canada – Azzedine Ounahi

Out of nowhere! Morocco break quickly. Ziyech releases Ounahi, who drives forward and unleashes a powerful strike from 22 yards that flies past Crépeau. Clinical finish from the midfielder. Despite having barely any possession or shots, Morocco lead 1-0. The Canada crowd is stunned.

38' Canada push for an immediate response. Junior Hoilett (sub) or Buchanan crosses, but Aguerd heads clear.

42' Yellow card for Sofyan Amrabat for a tactical foul on David.

45+2' Two minutes added time. Half-time approaches with Morocco leading against the run of play.

Half-time: Morocco 1-0 Canada

Half-time analysis A tale of two halves within the first 45. Canada controlled the ball and created chances but lacked clinical edge. Morocco were passive until the 28th minute but struck with ruthless efficiency. Saibari’s injury is a concern heading into the second period.

Second half (46') Canada make changes at the break to inject more attacking threat.

49' Canada immediately on the front foot. A shot from David is blocked by Saïss.

52' Morocco look more settled now. They are pressing higher and winning the ball in advanced areas.

55' GOOOOAAAALLLL! Morocco 2-0 Canada – Azzedine Ounahi (2)

Ounahi doubles his tally! Beautiful team move. Boufal dances past two defenders and squares it to Ounahi, who slots it calmly past Crépeau. The midfielder is having the game of his life. Morocco now in total control.

58' Substitution – Canada: Two changes as they chase the game. Fresh legs up front.

61' Canada’s heads have dropped slightly. The early dominance has evaporated.

64' Chance for Morocco to make it three. Youssef En-Nesyri is played through but shoots straight at the keeper.

67' Yellow card: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Late challenge.

70' Morocco managing the game professionally. They are happy to sit deeper and hit on the break.

73' Substitution – Morocco: En-Nesyri off, Tarik Tissoudali on. Boufal also tiring, replaced by Abde.

77' Canada create a half-chance but Bono makes a comfortable save. Time is running out for the co-hosts.

80' The NRG Stadium crowd is still loud but now more in support of Morocco’s resilience than Canadian hopes.

83' GOOOOAAAALLLL! Morocco 3-0 Canada – Hakim Ziyech

Game over! Ziyech curls a magnificent free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards. A moment of magic from the veteran. Morocco are cruising into the quarter-finals.

86' Canada substitutions exhausted. They continue to push but lack cutting edge.

90' Four minutes of added time signalled.

90+4' Full-time: Morocco 3-0 Canada

The Atlas Lions march on!

Post-match reaction

Walid Regragui (Morocco coach): “We knew it would be tough. Canada started very well, but football rewards efficiency. Ounahi was outstanding. Saibari’s injury is a worry, but we showed character. Now we prepare for the quarter-final.”

Canada manager: “We created enough chances to be ahead at half-time but didn’t take them. Morocco punished us clinically. Congratulations to them – they are a very dangerous team.”

Player ratings Morocco: Bono 7, Hakimi 7, Aguerd 8, Saïss 8, Chibi 7, Amrabat 7, Saibari (inj) 6, Ounahi 9.5, Ziyech 8.5, En-Nesyri 7, Boufal 8. Subs: Harit 7, Tissoudali 7. Canada: Crépeau 6, Johnston 6, Bombito 6, Cornelius 7, Laryea 6, Eustáquio 7, Koné 6, Buchanan 7, David 6, Larin 5, Akinola 6.

Match statistics
Possession: Morocco 48% – Canada 52%
Shots: Morocco 11 (7 on target) – Canada 16 (5 on target)
Corners: Morocco 4 – Canada 8
Fouls: Morocco 13 – Canada 11

Key moments
Ounahi’s opener on 35' against the run of play.
His second goal on 55' that killed the contest.
Ziyech’s stunning free-kick to seal the win.

Morocco’s ability to absorb pressure and strike clinically defines this victory. Despite the slow start and the early injury to Saibari, they produced a performance full of maturity and quality.

Quarter-final Morocco will face either Paraguay or France on July 9. Another tough test awaits the Atlas Lions, but after this result, few will bet against them causing more upsets.

Our comprehensive World Cup coverage continues. Stay with Al Jazeera Sport for all the latest from the 2026 tournament in North America.