Morocco produced another commanding performance to defeat Canada 3-0 and secure a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the last eight in consecutive editions of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, continued their impressive run with a clinical display against the Canadians. After absorbing early pressure, Morocco took control of the contest with disciplined defending and swift attacking football.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi starred for the North Africans with a brilliant brace, while striker Soufiane Rahimi added a late third goal to seal an emphatic victory and send Moroccan supporters into celebration.
Canada battled hard and created a number of opportunities, particularly in the opening stages, but failed to find a way past Morocco’s resolute defence and inspired goalkeeper.
The victory extends Morocco’s remarkable World Cup journey and underlines their status as one of the tournament’s standout teams, having eliminated the Netherlands in the Round of 32 before dispatching Canada in the last 16.
Morocco will now face France in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash on July 9, with a place in the semifinals at stake. France booked their place in the last eight after edging Paraguay 1-0 in their Round of 16 encounter.
The quarterfinal promises to revive memories of the two nations’ dramatic semifinal meeting at the 2022 World Cup, with Morocco hoping to continue their historic run and move one step closer to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.
