Morocco kept Africa’s hopes alive at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after an impressive 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston, becoming the first African nation to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
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The Atlas Lions produced a disciplined and clinical second-half display to eliminate the hosts, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice before Soufiane Rahimi added a late third to complete a memorable victory.
After surviving sustained Canadian pressure in the opening half, Morocco struck five minutes after the restart. Defender Achraf Hakimi delivered a clever cut-back from a free-kick, and Ounahi arrived unmarked to fire home from the edge of the penalty area for the breakthrough.
Canada had dominated large spells of the first half and created several clear-cut opportunities, but Moroccan goalkeeper Bono produced crucial saves to deny Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Morocco gradually took control after the interval, displaying the defensive resilience and tactical discipline that have become hallmarks of the team.
Ounahi wrapped up the contest in the 82nd minute, finishing another swift attacking move after being set up by Brahim Díaz to register his second goal of the evening.
The North Africans completed the rout deep into stoppage time when Díaz once again turned provider, releasing Soufiane Rahimi, who calmly slotted the ball beneath goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to seal a convincing 3-0 victory.
The win extends Morocco’s remarkable World Cup journey after their historic semi-final appearance in Qatar in 2022. They are now just one victory away from matching that achievement once again.
For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their finest-ever FIFA World Cup campaign.
The tournament saw the co-hosts record their first World Cup point, first victory, progression beyond the group stage and first knockout-round win.
However, they became the first host nation to be eliminated from the 2026 tournament.
The match was fiercely contested, with emotions boiling over during the first half as seven yellow cards were issued by referee Michael Oliver.
Despite Canada’s aggressive pressing and energetic display, Morocco’s experienced defence stood firm, limiting the hosts to only three shots on target throughout the encounter.
Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals, with hopes of writing another glorious chapter in African football history.
