Ounahi brace against Canada sends Morocco into World Cup quarter-finals

Morocco produced a clinical second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and extending their impressive run on the global stage.

A brilliant brace from midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Soufiane Rahimi ensured the Atlas Lions comfortably overcame a spirited Canadian side that had dominated much of the opening half but failed to convert their chances.

The victory sends Morocco into the last eight, where they will face either France or Paraguay, as Mohamed Ouahbi’s side continue their pursuit of another historic World Cup campaign following their memorable semi-final appearance in Qatar four years ago.

Canada began brightly in front of a passionate home crowd, pressing aggressively and forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into several outstanding saves.

The Sevilla shot-stopper denied Tani Oluwaseyi with a superb close-range stop before also blocking efforts from Jonathan David as Jesse Marsch’s men threatened to seize an early advantage.

Despite enjoying less possession, Canada created the better opportunities throughout the first half, while Morocco struggled to establish their attacking rhythm.

Matters became more difficult for the North Africans in the 22nd minute when forward Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury and replaced by Rahimi.

The opening period ended goalless despite six yellow cards and Canada’s dominance in attack, leaving Morocco needing a much-improved second-half performance.

They delivered exactly that.

Just five minutes after the restart, Morocco broke the deadlock through an expertly rehearsed free-kick.

Captain Achraf Hakimi rolled a low pass into the path of Ounahi, who struck a precise first-time effort into the bottom-right corner to silence the Canadian supporters.

The goal transformed the contest as Morocco grew in confidence while Canada struggled to recreate the intensity that had defined their first-half display.

Bounou remained alert to preserve Morocco’s lead, producing an excellent diving save to deny Tajon Buchanan from long range before Canada’s attacking momentum gradually faded.

Morocco doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute following a devastating counterattack.

Brahim Díaz burst into space before slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Ounahi, who calmly swept his finish into the top corner for his second goal of the evening.

The assist marked Díaz’s third of the tournament, making him only the second African player to register three assists at a single FIFA World Cup.

Canada continued pushing forward during eight minutes of stoppage time, even sending goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau into Morocco’s penalty area for late set-pieces.

However, their gamble backfired deep into added time.

Díaz led another swift counterattack before releasing Rahimi, who calmly fired a left-footed finish beyond Crépeau in the 98th minute to complete an emphatic 3-0 victory.

While the scoreline suggested a comfortable triumph, Morocco were forced to withstand sustained Canadian pressure before their superior quality ultimately proved decisive.

Led by Ounahi’s outstanding performance, Hakimi's leadership and Bounou’s crucial saves, the Atlas Lions once again demonstrated why they are among the tournament’s leading contenders as they march confidently into the World Cup quarter-finals.

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