Morocco became the first team to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a clinical 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada at the Houston Stadium on Saturday. After a goalless first half in which Canada created the better chances, Walid Regragui's side took control through Azzedine Ounahi's brace, with Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz providing the assists. Soufiane Rahimi wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time as the Atlas Lions advanced to the last eight, where they will face either France or Paraguay, while Canada's historic World Cup run came to an end.
Canada made the brighter start under Jesse Marsch, using an aggressive high press to pin Morocco deep inside their own half. The co-hosts fashioned the better openings of the first half, with Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David both forcing smart saves from Yassine Bounou. Morocco were dealt an early setback in the 21st minute when forward Ismael Saibari was forced off injured, with Rahimi replacing him.
Tempers also flared as the teams got off to a high intensity start, which saw both Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea booked following a touchline altercation.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half through a well-worked set piece. Hakimi's low free-kick found Ounahi on the edge of the area, and the midfielder swept a first-time effort through a crowd of players to beat Maxime Crépeau. Canada pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but that left space for Morocco to exploit on the counter.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute after Brahim Diaz led a swift attacking move before teeing up Ounahi, who curled home his second goal of the evening. Deep into stoppage time, Diaz turned provider again, squaring for Rahimi to tap into an empty net and complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
The victory also saw Morocco create more FIFA World Cup history, becoming the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals on more than one occasion following their memorable semi-final run in Qatar four years ago. The Atlas Lions will now travel to Boston for a quarter-final clash against either France or Paraguay on July 9.
For Canada, the defeat brought the curtain down on the finest FIFA World Cup campaign in the nation's history. The co-hosts recorded their first tournament victory, progressed beyond the group stage for the first time and claimed their maiden knockout-stage win before their impressive run was ended by a ruthless Moroccan side.
ALSO READ | World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race: Lionel Messi Moves Clear After Record-Breaking Goal Against Cape Verde
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.