Azzedine Ounahi struck twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as Morocco knocked out World Cup co-hosts Canada with a commanding 3-0 win in Houston. The Atlas Lions now have the chance to reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals – having made history in 2022 as the first African side to reach a World Cup quarter-final. Here is the full report, the goals, the key moments, and what comes next.
Canada 0-3 Morocco: goals and timeline
| Min | Scorer | Assist | Score |
| 50′ | Azzedine Ounahi | Achraf Hakimi (set-piece) | 0-1 |
| 82′ | Azzedine Ounahi | Brahim Diaz | 0-2 |
| 90+8′ | Soufiane Rahimi | – | 0-3 |
How the match unfolded
In a bad-tempered contest that produced more yellow cards (eight) than shots on target (seven), Canada were the brighter side early on, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou the busier of the two. Bounou twice denied the hosts inside the opening 11 minutes, keeping out Jonathan David from close range and then reacting sharply to stop Tani Oluwaseyi after a clever turn.
Morocco’s task grew harder when star striker Ismael Saibari – Bayern Munich’s latest recruit – limped off injured after just 22 minutes, replaced by Rahimi. But Ounahi ensured his absence would not be felt. Early in the second half, the Girona forward slotted home after being teed up by Achraf Hakimi from a set-piece, and his second was taken with identical composure, finishing off a lightning counter set up by Brahim Diaz. As Canada chased their historic run, Rahimi rounded off yet another Morocco break deep in stoppage time, firing past Maxime Crepeau to seal it.
Key moments from Houston
| Min | Moment |
| 6′ | CHANCE. Bounou denies Jonathan David from close range, spreading himself to block a tight-angle effort. |
| 11′ | CHANCE. Bounou saves again – Tani Oluwaseyi turns brilliantly to fool the defence but the keeper gets a foot to it. |
| 21′ | Ismael Saibari is forced off injured and replaced by Soufiane Rahimi. |
| 40′ | FLASHPOINT. Hakimi and Richie Laryea are booked after an off-the-ball shove sparks a brief scuffle. |
| 45+7′ | YELLOW. Bilal El Khannouss becomes the sixth player booked before half-time. |
| 50′ | GOAL. Ounahi fires in the opener from a Hakimi set-piece. |
| 82′ | GOAL. Ounahi doubles the lead, finishing off a rapid counter. |
| 85′ | OFF THE BAR. Rahimi’s header smacks the underside of the crossbar. |
| 90+8′ | GOAL. Rahimi gets his goal, slotting home to seal it. |
Analysis: take Morocco seriously
Forget dark horses and underdogs – Morocco should now be considered genuine contenders to win the whole competition. There may be sides you feel are better equipped for the toils of the latter stages, but that is no reason to dismiss a team reaching consecutive World Cup quarter-finals.
What stands out is their versatility. They have shown they can win in different ways: scoring early and holding on against Scotland, grinding out a battle of attrition against Haiti, then fighting back to beat the Netherlands on penalties. Morocco have performed at a consistently high level regardless of venue or climate. Sterner tests await, but on current evidence they look capable of handling just about anything this tournament throws at them.
What the managers said
Canada boss Jesse Marsch was proud despite the exit, praising 11 excellent first-half performances and calling it a privilege for the fans to back a team that took the game to opponents. He said Canada had achieved tremendous success at the tournament and that it was now time to build on what they had accomplished, even if the fine details had gone against them.
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged Canada’s quality, describing it as a difficult World Cup game against a side playing for their lives. He credited his team’s reaction in the second half – winning the second balls and duels – and said the key was profiting from the spaces Canada left as they pushed forward.
What’s next: a possible Qatar revenge mission
Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in Boston on Thursday. Should France come through their last-16 tie, the Atlas Lions will have the chance to avenge their semi-final defeat to Les Bleus from Qatar 2022 – an enticing storyline as they chase a first-ever World Cup final.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Canada vs Morocco?
Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in the World Cup round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice (50’, 82’) and Soufiane Rahimi adding a third in stoppage time.
Who scored for Morocco against Canada?
Azzedine Ounahi scored both of his goals from Morocco counter-attacks, set up by Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, with Soufiane Rahimi completing the win late on.
Who will Morocco play in the quarter-finals?
Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in Boston on Thursday. A meeting with France would offer a chance to avenge their 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat.
Have Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals before?
Yes. Morocco reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and went on to become the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final – and they have now made the last eight again in 2026.
