Morocco advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on Saturday, July 4, following a 3-0 victory over Canada. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice, and Soufiane Rahimmi added a goal in stoppage time, setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup against France, who eliminated Paraguay to progress.
How did Morocco defeat Canada in the Round of 16?
The match between Canada and Morocco proved more competitive than initial projections suggested. According to match reports, Canada maintained higher possession of the ball throughout the contest. However, the Moroccan side, directed by Mohamed Ouahbi, capitalized on defensive lapses from the Canadian squad.
The scoring opened in the 50th minute when Azzedine Ounahi found the net. Ounahi secured his second goal of the match in the 82nd minute to extend the lead. Soufiane Rahimmi completed the 3-0 victory in the 90+8 minute. This result marks the second time in history that Morocco has reached the World Cup quarterfinals, repeating their achievement from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Morocco’s advancement to the quarterfinals in 2026 mirrors their historic run in Qatar 2022, solidifying their status as a rising power in international football.
Why is Canada’s elimination significant for the tournament?
Canada’s exit marks a turning point for the 2026 tournament as they are the first of the three host nations to be eliminated. While the loss ends their championship hopes, the team achieved a significant milestone by successfully advancing past the group stage for the first time in their history.
The departure of a host nation often shifts the momentum of the tournament, particularly regarding local fan engagement and match attendance. As the knockout stages progress, the focus shifts to the remaining hosts and the dominant European sides.
What is the upcoming schedule for the quarterfinals?
The Round of 16 is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, July 7. Following the completion of this round, the tournament will transition into the quarterfinal phase.
Morocco’s next challenge is a matchup against France. France secured their quarterfinal spot by defeating Paraguay in a match described as a battle against a “rebel” selection. Morocco faces the task of delivering a near-perfect performance to replicate their previous success and reach the semifinals.
Comparison: Morocco’s Performance Metrics
| Metric | Canada | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 
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