World Cup 2026: Morocco through to quarter-finals after dominant 3-0 thumping of Canada

Morocco are through to the quarter-final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a controlled and clinical 2-0 victory over co-hosts Canada, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice in the second half to send the Atlas Lions into the last eight.

The win continues Morocco’s remarkable tournament run and keeps African hopes alive as they advance into the business end of the competition.

Early threat from Canada as Bono stays alert

Canada started with intent and nearly made an early breakthrough when Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi showed quick reactions inside the box. The forward collected a pass deep in the area and struck goalwards, but Morocco goalkeeper Bono was equal to it and gathered comfortably.

Injury setback for Morocco in first half

Morocco were forced into an early change in the first half when Ismael Saibari was unable to continue due to injury. Soufiane Rahimi was introduced in an unplanned substitution as Morocco adjusted their attacking shape.

Ounahi breaks deadlock after restart

After a tight opening period, Morocco finally found the breakthrough in the 50th minute. Azzedine Ounahi struck from the edge of the box, guiding his effort into the bottom right corner after a neat assist from Achraf Hakimi.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour, with Canada struggling to respond to the increased intensity from the Atlas Lions.

Ounahi seals victory with second goal

Morocco’s dominance was confirmed in the 82nd minute when Brahim Díaz played a simple square pass into Ounahi inside the box. The midfielder showed composure before unleashing a powerful finish into the top right corner to double the lead.

That second strike effectively ended Canada’s hopes of a comeback and underlined Ounahi’s match-winning performance.

Rahimi unlucky as Morocco push for more

Soufiane Rahimi came close to adding a third for Morocco late on, meeting a superb cross inside the box with a strong header that crashed against the crossbar. It was a reminder of Morocco’s attacking threat even after securing control of the match.

Morocco into quarter-finals with African pride

Following the victory over Canada, Morocco now advance to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France.

The Atlas Lions continue to carry African hopes on the global stage as they chase another historic World Cup run.