Houston
Morocco national football team produced a ruthless second-half display to defeat Canada national football team 3-0 and book a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, ending the co-hosts’ memorable campaign in Houston.
The 2022 World Cup semifinalists overcame a spirited Canadian side with two goals from Azzedine Ounahi before substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed victory with the final kick of the match.
Morocco will now face either France national football team or Paraguay national football team in the quarterfinals as they continue another impressive World Cup campaign.
Canada entered the contest on the back of a historic run, having recorded their first-ever World Cup victory and knockout-stage triumph to reach the last 16. Despite being considered underdogs, Jesse Marsch’s side began confidently and created the better opportunities during a tense first half.
Forward Tani Oluwaseyi forced an early save from Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, while defender Alistair Johnston missed a free header from a corner as Canada piled pressure on their opponents.
Morocco suffered an early setback when in-form midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off injured after 20 minutes. However, coach Mohamed Ouahbi reshaped his side effectively, and they emerged a transformed team after the interval.
Five minutes into the second half, captain Achraf Hakimi delivered a clever free-kick to an unmarked Ounahi, who struck a first-time effort past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to break the deadlock.
Canada pressed forward in search of an equaliser but left spaces at the back, allowing Morocco to capitalise. Ounahi completed his brace in the 82nd minute with another composed first-time finish following a swift counterattack.
Rahimi then completed the scoring in the eighth minute of stoppage time, calmly finishing after another rapid Moroccan breakaway.
Despite the heavy defeat, Canada earned widespread praise for an inspiring tournament that marked their deepest-ever World Cup run. Marsch said he was immensely proud of his players, who remained committed to attacking football throughout the competition.
“What a privilege our fans have had to root on a team like this,” Marsch said. “As good as Morocco are, I’d rather be us. We went after the game, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
For Morocco, another commanding knockout victory reinforces their growing status among world football’s elite as they prepare for yet another daunting quarterfinal challenge.
