KOR
▲ Morocco players celebrate their victory
Morocco has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dominant victory over host nation Canada.
In the Round of 16 match held at Houston Stadium in Texas, U.S., Morocco secured a 3-0 win over Canada, fueled by a multi-goal performance from Azzedine Ounahi and a clinching goal by Soufiane Rahimi.
Following their semifinal run at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Morocco’s advancement to the quarterfinals in this tournament marks the first time an African team has reached the World Cup quarterfinals in two consecutive tournaments.
With this result, Morocco has increased its total goal count in this tournament to 8, setting a new record for the most goals scored by an African team in a single World Cup.
Key fullback Achraf Hakimi extended his record for the most World Cup appearances by an African player to 15 matches, while Brahim Diaz added two assists, setting a new record for the most assists by an African player in a single World Cup (4).
Ounahi became the first African player to score multiple goals in a World Cup knockout stage match in 24 years, since Henri Camara of Senegal did so during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.
The first half was dominated by Canada, who applied intense pressure.
Morocco did not attempt their first shot until the 28th minute of the first half.
In a physical match that saw a total of 8 yellow cards issued to both teams, Morocco also faced a setback when Ismael Saibari was substituted due to a hamstring injury in the 22nd minute.
The game was decided by Morocco's clinical finishing in the second half.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Ounahi scored the opening goal with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, connecting with a low cutback from Hakimi during a free-kick situation.
As Canada increased their offensive pressure in search of an equalizer, Morocco intelligently exploited the open spaces.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Ounahi received a pass from Diaz and finished with his right foot again to extend the lead to 2-0. In the 8th minute of stoppage time, Rahimi completed the 3-0 victory with a low left-footed shot during a counterattack.
Canada became the first of the three host nations to be eliminated, but they set several significant milestones, including their first-ever World Cup points, first win, first time advancing past the group stage, and first knockout stage appearance.
Morocco will face France, who defeated Paraguay, in the quarterfinals at Boston Stadium in the U.S. on July 10 at 5:00 a.m.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
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