Morocco reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals after ending Canada’s historic run

July 5 (Daily Mirror) - Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada on Saturday, ending the hosts' historic run and becoming the first team to reach the last eight.

For 45 minutes, however, Canada dared to dream. Making their first-ever appearance in the men's World Cup knockout stage, Les Rouges were the better side for much of the first half against the world's sixth-ranked team. They pressed high, created promising openings and kept Morocco largely quiet, but could not find the breakthrough.

Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, struggled to impose themselves early and were dealt a blow when leading scorer Ismael Saibari limped off injured in the 22nd minute. The Atlas Lions managed just a handful of chances before the break as a physical opening half ended goalless, with six yellow cards shown.

The match changed after halftime. Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute before adding his second in the 82nd to put Morocco in complete control. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi rounded off the scoring deep into stoppage time.

The 3-0 scoreline was harsh on Canada, whose performance deserved more. Morocco were far from their fluent best, but they punished their opponents with clinical finishing and disciplined defending when it mattered most.

Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals on July 9, while Canada exit the tournament with plenty of pride after producing their best-ever men's World Cup campaign.