Morocco became the first team to book a place in the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-host Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday.
A second-half brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a late strike by Soufiane Rahimi secured a convincing victory for the Atlas Lions, who will face the winner of France and Paraguay in Thursday’s quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The victory continues Morocco’s impressive run on the international stage. After reaching the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and being crowned African champions earlier this year, the Atlas Lions have once again demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s best.
Canada Starts Strong
Despite resting star defender Alphonso Davies at kickoff, Canada controlled much of the opening half. The co-hosts pressed aggressively, created several promising attacks, and looked the more dangerous side early on.
Their best opportunity came in the 11th minute when Tani Oluwaseyi capitalized on a high press to race through on goal. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an outstanding save to keep the match scoreless.
Morocco suffered another setback in the 23rd minute when midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Although Canada continued to dictate possession, Morocco gradually settled into the contest after the hydration break. Tempers flared in the 39th minute when Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea clashed following a challenge, with referee Michael Oliver showing yellow cards to both players. The physical encounter set the tone for a match that eventually produced eight bookings.
Ounahi Takes Control
The second half began much like the first, with Canada enjoying possession but struggling to turn its dominance into goals.
Morocco struck against the run of play in the 50th minute. Following a free kick just outside the penalty area, Hakimi rolled the ball into the path of Azzedine Ounahi, who curled a precise shot into the bottom-right corner to give the Atlas Lions a 1-0 lead.
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Canada continued to search for an equalizer and briefly appealed for a penalty after Tajon Buchanan went down in the box, but the attack was ruled offside before any foul could be considered.
Jonathan David later fired a free kick over the crossbar, while Buchanan forced another excellent save from Bounou with a powerful long-range effort.
Morocco Finishes in Style
Morocco doubled its advantage in the 82nd minute with a swift counterattack. Brahim Díaz drew multiple defenders into the box before cutting the ball back to Ounahi, who calmly finished for his second goal of the night.
Rahimi nearly added a third moments later when his header struck the crossbar, but the forward would not be denied. Deep into stoppage time, he raced onto a counterattack and fired a composed finish beyond Maxime Crépeau to complete the 3-0 victory.
While the scoreline appeared comfortable, Canada produced an energetic performance and created several quality chances but lacked the finishing touch. Morocco, by contrast, proved clinical when it mattered most, converting its opportunities to secure a deserved place in the final eight.
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