Morocco has become the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Canada 3-0. This win marks their impressive unbeaten streak in regular matches at 34 games.
The Atlas Lions, the only African team left in the tournament alongside Egypt, showed their growing strength in football with a solid performance in the Round of 16.
The first half was intense, with more yellow cards than shots on goal. Morocco finally scored just five minutes into the second half thanks to Azzedine Ounahi.
Ounahi delivered a fantastic shot into the bottom corner after a smart free-kick set up by captain Achraf Hakimi, leaving the Canadian defense stunned.
Canada pushed harder for an equalizer, sending more players forward. But Morocco stayed calm and looked dangerous on the break.
In the 82nd minute, Brahim Díaz sparked a quick counterattack. He set up Ounahi, who scored again, blasting the ball past the Canadian goalkeeper for his second goal.
Soufiane Rahimi, who came off the bench, rounded off the victory with another goal in stoppage time. He finished a fast counter to secure a convincing 3-0 win.
The match was both physical and tactical. The first half had only five shots on goal but saw six yellow cards. This is the first time since World Cup records started in 1966 that a first half had more bookings than shots.
This latest victory adds to Morocco’s impressive journey, which started with their historic semi-final run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They made history as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
Now, the Atlas Lions are one step closer to a remarkable achievement. They are in the quarter-finals and aiming to bring home Africa's first World Cup title.
Morocco will wait to see who they face next, as they look forward to the winner of the Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay.
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