- Safiu Kehinde
Morocco have booked a spot in 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals as they cruised past Canada in 3-0 victory.
The Atlas Lions faced the co-host nation in the first Last 16 match on Saturday evening as they hoped to replicate their historic 2022 campaign where they emerged first African nation to reach the semi-final.
Morocco are replicating same feat as they knocked out Canada with a comfortable win.
While the first saw neither team break the deadlock, the Atlas Lions however took charge of thebgame in the second half with Azzedine Ounahi opening the scoreboard in the 50th minute.
Efforts by the Canadians to get back into the game proved abortive as Morocco held on to the narrow lead until the second half hydration break.
Refuelled, Canada went all out in search for an equaliser.
This costed the Canadians as their defence was exposed, giving Morocco the opportunity to launch a counterattack that led to the second goal.
A through pass from Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz met unmarked Ounahi who slotted the ball past Canada’s goalkeeper to earn himself a brace and doubled Morocco’s lead.
The Atlas Lions would seal the win in the final minute of regular time as Diaz again capitalised on Canada’s desperation to launch a counter attack.
Diaz provided another assist for second half substitute, Soufiane Rahimi, who netted Morocco’s third goal, sinking Canada’s hope.
The victory will see Morocco face winner of the second Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay at the quarterfinals.