Ounahi Masterclass Sinks the Co-Hosts
The Moroccan dream is very much alive! In a stunning display of attacking efficiency, Morocco eliminated 2026 FIFA World Cup™ co-hosts Canada with an emphatic 3-0 victory in their Round of 16 clash at the Houston Stadium on Saturday night.
Following a tense and highly physical first half that saw six yellow cards dished out, the Atlas Lions broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. In the 50th minute, Achraf Hakimi executed a clever cut-back from a free-kick, finding midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. The Girona star masterfully threaded a low, spinning strike through heavy traffic to beat Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
Canada’s Heartbreak and Morocco’s Triumph
Despite dominating possession and registering more shot attempts, Jesse Marsch’s Canadian side struggled to break down Morocco’s notoriously resolute defense. As Canada desperately pushed forward in search of an equalizer, they left themselves heavily exposed at the back.
“We chased history outside our borders, but tonight we ran into a tactically superior Moroccan wall. Ounahi was unplayable in the second half,” conceded a visibly disappointed Canadian supporter leaving the stadium.
Morocco punished the co-hosts on a swift counter-attack in the 82nd minute. Brahim Díaz initiated the move, setting up Ounahi, who slammed home his second goal of the night to effectively end the contest. Deep into stoppage time (90+8′), substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a final layer of gloss to the scoreline, cementing the 3-0 rout.
With Canada crashing out, Morocco continues their incredible giant-slaying trajectory. The North African powerhouse, who stunned the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, will now prepare to face either France or Paraguay in a highly anticipated quarter-final matchup in New England.
