Ounahi Hits Brace as Morocco Crush Hosts Canada to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals
Morocco continued Africa’s impressive run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in their Round of 16 clash at Houston Stadium on Saturday night.
A second-half brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a late strike from Soufiane Rahimi sealed a comfortable win for the Atlas Lions, who booked their place in the quarter-finals while ending Canada’s historic campaign.
Despite a bright start from the hosts, Morocco showed their class and defensive resilience before taking complete control after the break.
Canada created the better opportunities in the opening half, with Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi both denied in one-on-one situations by Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, who produced crucial saves to keep the game level.
The first half ended goalless, although it was filled with intense challenges as both teams battled for supremacy and referee Michael Oliver issued several yellow cards.
Morocco found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half.
Captain Achraf Hakimi delivered a clever cut-back from a set-piece, allowing Ounahi to fire home from the edge of the area for the opening goal.
The North Africans continued to absorb Canada’s pressure before striking again in the 82nd minute.
Ounahi completed his brace by finishing off a swift counterattack after being set up by Brahim Díaz.
With Canada pushing forward in search of a consolation, Morocco added a third deep into stoppage time. Díaz turned provider again, releasing Soufiane Rahimi, who calmly slotted the ball beneath goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to complete an emphatic 3-0 victory.
The result makes Canada the first host nation to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and brings an end to their best-ever men’s World Cup campaign, during which they recorded their first point, first victory, progressed from the group stage and reached the knockout rounds.
For Morocco, the victory keeps alive dreams of matching or even surpassing their historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions have now defeated Canada in consecutive World Cups and remain unbeaten in five meetings between the two nations.
Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Thursday, July 9, with a place in the last four at stake.
Azzedine Ounahi was deservedly named Player of the Match after his match-winning performance, scoring twice to inspire another memorable night for Moroccan football.
