HOUSTON, July 5 (Alliance News): A brilliant second-half brace from Azzedine Ounahi powered Morocco to a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday, securing the Atlas Lions a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament.
Morocco, now unbeaten in 34 international matches, overcame an energetic Canadian side that dominated much of the first half but failed to capitalize on several early scoring opportunities.
After a goalless opening period, Morocco broke the deadlock in the 50th minute through Ounahi. Defender Achraf Hakimi cleverly rolled a free-kick to the midfielder, who fired a first-time strike into the bottom corner to put the African side ahead.
Canada responded with renewed attacking intent, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced crucial saves to deny Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, and Tani Oluwaseyi, keeping his side firmly in control.
Ounahi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute after combining neatly with Brahim Diaz, before substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time goal as Canada pushed players forward in search of a comeback.
The victory came despite Morocco suffering a setback in the first half when leading scorer Ismael Saibari was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury after just 22 minutes.
Canada, ranked 30th in the world, produced one of their finest World Cup campaigns, reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history before defeating South Africa in the Round of 32. However, the North Americans were unable to convert their impressive start into goals against the 2022 World Cup semifinalists.
The match was fiercely contested, with both teams receiving four yellow cards. Canada committed 24 fouls compared to Morocco’s 14 in a physical encounter.
Ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings, Morocco will now face France in the quarterfinals on July 9 in Boston, in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal.
