Morocco Outclass Co-hosts Canada to Reach FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals

Houston - Morocco produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston, becoming the first team to knock out a host nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Canada made a bright start and controlled much of the opening phase, creating several promising chances. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stood firm, denying both Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi in one-on-one situations within the first 11 minutes.

The match grew increasingly physical as the first half progressed, with the referee showing seven yellow cards. Tempers flared in the 40th minute when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi shoved Richie Laryea following a chase for a long ball.

Morocco returned after the break with renewed energy and took the lead just five minutes into the second half. From a well-worked free-kick, Hakimi laid the ball back to Azzedine Ounahi, who was left unmarked at the edge of the box and calmly placed his shot beyond Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

Canada pushed hard in search of an equaliser, but Morocco's disciplined defence held firm. Despite registering 30 touches inside the Moroccan penalty area, the hosts managed only three shots on target, with just one coming after the opening 11 minutes.

Ounahi doubled Morocco's advantage in the 82nd minute, finishing off a swift counterattack with composure to score his second goal of the night. Soufiane Rahimi then completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, rounding the goalkeeper to score after earlier seeing a looping header strike the crossbar.

The defeat brought an end to Canada's most successful men's World Cup campaign, one that included their first-ever World Cup point, maiden victory, qualification for the knockout stage and a historic Round of 16 triumph. Captain Alphonso Davies, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, was absent from the match.

Morocco will face either Paraguay or France in the quarter-finals, with the two sides set to meet later on Saturday.

With inputs from IANS