Morocco delivered an impressive second-half display to defeat Canada 3-0 in the opening Round of 16 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the quarter-finals in commanding fashion.
The scoreline flattered Morocco, who were on the back foot for most of the opening period and failed to register an attempt on goal until the 28th minute after Canada had spurned a number of solid chances.
The tame first-half performance caused Morocco’s visibly frustrated coach Mohamed Ouahbi to shake his head on the touchline following misplaced passes and needless errors before his players turned things around in the second period.
“It’s a World Cup match and these are difficult games with teams playing for their lives,” he said. “We reacted very well in the second half in the second balls and the duels.”
“I have to recognise that Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise for us but in the second half we were able to profit from the space they left us – that was the key.”
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Morocco also suffered an early blow when Ismael Saibari, who has scored three goals in the tournament, was forced off due to a hamstring injury and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi in the 22nd minute during a feisty first half in which the referee issued six yellow cards.
The 2022 semi-finalists struggled as an energised Canada came out aggressively from the opening whistle, pushing forward and pressing as Morocco struggled to click into gear.
The scoreline remained level at the interval, Morocco appeared the more threatening side, enjoying better possession and looking more dangerous whenever they moved into the attacking third.
Canada started the second half hoping to gain momentum, but they found it difficult to contain Morocco’s pace and movement.
Morocco finally made their dominance count when Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a well-taken finish after receiving a precise assist from Hakimi, sending Moroccan supporters into celebration.
The goal gave the African side greater confidence as they dictated the tempo of the match and prevented Canada from building meaningful attacks.
Morocco eventually doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute through Ounahi, who completed his brace after being set up brilliantly by Brahim Diaz.
The midfielder showed composure inside the penalty area before placing his effort beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
As Canada pushed forward in search of a consolation goal, Morocco exploited the spaces left behind.
Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Soufiane Rahimi found the back of the net in the 90+8th minute after receiving another well-weighted pass from Brahim Diaz.
The late strike completed a comprehensive 3-0 victory and highlighted Morocco’s efficiency in attack.
Ounahi emerged as the star of the encounter, scoring twice and controlling proceedings in midfield.
Diaz registered two assists and Hakimi contributed an assist in another influential performance.
The match was played at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, USA.
The victory demonstrated Morocco’s growing confidence and tactical discipline as they progressed to the quarter-finals.
Canada exited the tournament after struggling to cope with the quality, organisation and attacking threat of the North African side.
