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The Qatar News Agency reported that Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 on July 4 at Houston Stadium in the opening match of the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th and 82nd minutes with Soufiane Rahimi adding a goal in the 98th minute. The Atlas Lions had advanced from the round of 32 after drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands and winning on penalties. This victory sent Morocco into the last eight where it will face the winner of the France versus Paraguay fixture later on July 4.
Morocco finished second in Group C during the group stage with seven points. The team secured victories over Scotland and Haiti along with a draw against Brazil. FIFA tournament records indicate that the 2026 edition features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four followed by an additional knockout round before the traditional last 16.
The round of 32 encounter with the Netherlands tested Morocco after the group phase. A 1-1 draw forced the match to penalties where Morocco prevailed to set up the clash with Canada. ESPN coverage of the tournament noted the high stakes for co-host Canada which exited at this stage despite home advantage in the North American-hosted event.
FIFA data shows that the 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across Canada Mexico and the United States with 104 total matches. The co-hosting arrangement marks the first time three nations have jointly staged the tournament. Morocco’s progress comes as the first side to book a quarterfinal berth in the competition.
Morocco’s current run builds on its landmark performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Olympics.com reported that the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals that year before finishing fourth overall. The team defeated Portugal in the quarterfinals and only fell to France in the last four followed by a loss to Croatia in the third-place match.
Ounahi and Rahimi have played key roles in Morocco’s campaign. Rahimi who plays his club football for Al Ain in the UAE Pro League added the stoppage-time goal to complete the scoring. ESPN match reports highlighted Ounahi’s midfield contributions including the two goals that effectively decided the outcome against Canada.
The quarterfinal opponent for Morocco will emerge from the later match between France and Paraguay on the same day. A FIFA assessment of the knockout bracket placed that fixture as one of the key ties in the round of 16. Morocco will aim to extend its impressive World Cup form when it takes the field in the last eight.
