Morocco advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday.
Following a tightly contested opening half, the African side produced a clinical display after the interval to bring Canada’s landmark World Cup journey to an end.
Canada made an energetic start and repeatedly threatened Morocco’s goal during the opening exchanges.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced two outstanding saves to deny Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi in one-on-one situations, preventing the hosts from taking an early lead.
The first half became increasingly feisty as seven players received yellow cards.
Tensions escalated shortly before the break when Morocco skipper Achraf Hakimi clashed with Richie Laryea after both players contested a long pass.
Morocco looked far more dangerous after the restart and opened the scoring within five minutes of the second half.
Hakimi rolled a well-worked free-kick into the path of Azzedine Ounahi, who calmly placed his effort beyond Maxime Crépeau from the edge of the area.
Canada continued to attack in search of an equaliser, but Morocco’s organised defence refused to buckle.
Morocco wrapped up the result in the closing stages as Ounahi completed his brace in the 82nd minute following a rapid counter-attack.
Soufiane Rahimi then added a third goal in stoppage time after racing through and finishing beneath the advancing goalkeeper.
Canada’s defeat brought an end to the nation’s most successful men’s World Cup campaign, having claimed their first-ever World Cup point, maiden tournament victory, progression to the knockout stage and a place in the Round of 16.
Morocco will now meet France in the quarter-finals as they continue their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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