By Dwayne Ferreira.
Atlas Lions beat Canada 3-0 in Houston as Ounahi scored twice and Rahimi sealed Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final place.
The Atlas Lions powered into the World Cup quarter-finals with a ruthless 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, ending the co-hosts’ emotional run and confirming Morocco’s growing status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous knockout teams.
Canada began with energy, aggression and belief. Backed by passionate support, Jesse Marsch’s side pressed Morocco high, forced early mistakes and tried to turn the match into a contest of speed and pressure. However, Canada could not turn their strong opening spell into a goal.
That failure proved costly.
Morocco survived a difficult first half, adjusted after the break and then punished Canada with the clinical edge that separates hopeful teams from serious contenders. Azzedine Ounahi was the star of the night, scoring twice in the second half before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time third to complete a commanding win.
Atlas Lions Survive Canada’s Fast Start
The first half was tense and physical. Canada tried to impose themselves early, while Morocco struggled to find rhythm in possession. Reports from the match noted that Morocco did not register a shot until the 28th minute, with Canada enjoying the better of the early exchanges.
Yet Morocco’s defensive structure held firm. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also stayed composed under pressure, giving the Atlas Lions the calm they needed during Canada’s best spell of the game.
The match changed after halftime.
Morocco’s breakthrough came through a smart free-kick routine finished by Ounahi. It was the moment that broke Canada’s resistance and shifted the emotional balance of the game. Canada, already missing the full impact of Alphonso Davies because of fitness concerns, suddenly found themselves chasing a match Morocco were built to control.
Ounahi’s second goal gave Morocco breathing space and exposed Canada’s vulnerability on the counterattack. Brahim Díaz also played a key creative role, with reports crediting him for a standout all-round display and important assists during Morocco’s attacking surge.
Rahimi then came off the bench to add the third in stoppage time, turning a tight knockout match into a statement victory. The scoreline may have been harsh on Canada’s first-half effort, but it reflected Morocco’s superior finishing, patience and tournament experience.
Morocco March On To Face France
For Canada, the defeat brought an end to a historic World Cup campaign. They had already made major progress on home soil, including a first World Cup win, a first move beyond the group stage and a knockout-round victory over South Africa. However, against Morocco, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved decisive.
For Morocco, the journey continues. This is another major step for a team that has now made deep World Cup runs in back-to-back tournaments. Their confidence, tactical maturity and ability to absorb pressure make them a serious threat in the last eight.
The Atlas Lions will now face France in the quarter-finals after the former champions beat Paraguay 1-0 later on Saturday. Morocco may not have dominated every minute against Canada, but they delivered when the match demanded precision.
In knockout football, that is often what matters most.
Match Summary
Morocco – 3
Azzedine Ounahi 2 goals
Soufiane Rahimi 1 goal
Canada – 0
Result: Morocco won 3-0
Player of the Match: Azzedine Ounahi
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 16
Venue: Houston
Next Fixture: Morocco vs France, Quarter-final
