Daijiworld Media Network – Houston
Houston, Jul 5: Morocco produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat co-host Canada 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash in Houston on Saturday, securing a place in the quarter-finals and ending Canada's historic campaign.
Canada bowed out with its head held high after scripting its best-ever World Cup performance. Having never earned a point in previous appearances, Jesse Marsch's side made history by registering its first World Cup point with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before recording victories over Qatar and South Africa to qualify for the knockout stage.
Against Morocco, Canada began brightly, pressing aggressively and controlling large portions of the first half. However, despite creating several promising situations, the co-hosts failed to convert their dominance into goals.
Morocco, on the other hand, made the most of its opportunities after the break. A well-worked free-kick in the 50th minute allowed Azzedine Ounahi to fire home from the edge of the penalty area and give the Atlas Lions the lead.
As Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco took control of the contest. Ounahi doubled his tally late in the match before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time goal to complete a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The African side had suffered an early setback when in-form forward Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury in the opening half. The Bayern Munich-bound attacker had been one of Morocco's standout performers during the tournament with three goals.
Despite his absence, coach Mohamed Ouahbi's side adapted well after the interval, with Rahimi providing fresh attacking impetus from the bench while Ounahi assumed greater responsibility in midfield.
The victory sends Morocco into another World Cup quarter-final, building on the momentum of its historic semi-final run at the 2022 tournament and underlining its status as one of the strongest teams in world football.
For Canada, the defeat marked the end of a memorable campaign that has transformed expectations for football in the country. The co-hosts leave the tournament with several milestones achieved and renewed optimism for the future after progressing from World Cup debutants to Round of 16 participants.