Morocco triumphed over Canada with a decisive 3-0 win in the World Cup Round of 16 on July 4, 2026, marking a historic achievement for the Atlas Lions. Azzedine Ounahi was the standout player, scoring two goals and propelling Morocco into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive time.
Azzedine Ounahi's Stellar Performance
Azzedine Ounahi's remarkable performance included two crucial goals that showcased his skill and precision. His first goal came in the 50th minute when he received a free kick from Achraf Hakimi, unleashing a right-footed shot from outside the box that found the bottom right corner.
Ounahi continued to shine, doubling the lead with another right-footed shot in the 82nd minute after a swift counterattack initiated by Brahim Díaz. This performance solidified his status as a key player for Morocco, contributing significantly to their victory.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The match was characterized by intense physicality, with a total of eight yellow cards issued—four to each team. Canada started strong, but Morocco's defense held firm. Notable moments included a near miss by Jonathan David, whose free kick sailed over the crossbar in the 78th minute, and a diving save by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou against Tajon Buchanan's shot from 30 yards.
- Goals: Ounahi (50', 82'), Soufiane Rahimi (90+1')
- Yellow Cards: 8 total (4 each)
- Next Match: Morocco vs. Paraguay or France
Morocco's Historic Journey
This victory is significant for Morocco, as they become the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals more than once. Their impressive journey includes a historic semifinal appearance in 2022 and a successful run in this tournament, defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16.
With this win, Morocco is set to face the winner of the Paraguay vs. France match in Boston on Thursday, furthering their quest for World Cup glory.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
