Morocco confirmed its candidacy for the 2026 World Cup title after defeating Canada 3-0 with authority at the Houston Stadium and sealing its qualification for the quarterfinals, where the winner of the duel between France and Paraguay awaits.
The Atlas Lions resolved the match in the second half thanks to a double from Azzedine Ounahi, who scored in the 50th and 82nd minutes, while Soufiane Rahimi put definitive numbers in added time (90+8).
The African team found space after the break with the inspiration of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, who led the attacks on the right wing and dismantled the solid Canadian approach.
Canada, which played in the round of 16 for the first time in a World Cup, had a promising start. Captain Stephen Eustaquio and forward Jonathan David led the offensive pressure during the first half, although they failed to convert their chances.
With this victory, Morocco reaches the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup. After its historic campaign in Qatar 2022, where it reached the semifinals and finished in fourth place, the African team is once again among the top eight in the tournament.
Now, those led by Walid Regragui will seek to take a new step towards glory when they face the winner of the clash between France and Paraguay in the quarterfinals.
