The national team secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a clear victory over the Canadian team, with a score of 3-0, in the Round of 16 match held at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Azeddine Ounahi scored two goals (in the 50th and 82nd minutes), and Sofiane Rahimi added the third goal in the 90+8 minute, finishing the match with a clean sheet and confirming the superiority of the Atlas Lions.
Ounahi scores a wonderful goal for Morocco against Canada pic.twitter.com/85OrGkjH4m
— Tanja7 (@Tanja7com) July 4, 2026
A Dramatic Path to Qualification
The match started with noticeable Canadian pressure in the first half, as the hosts controlled the game and missed several clear chances. However, the Moroccan defense, led by Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi and their teammates, held firm despite an early injury to Ismail Sabri.
With the beginning of the second half, the Moroccan team exploded offensively. In the 50th minute, Hakimi executed a perfect free kick, which Ounahi received with a powerful ground shot into the right corner, announcing Morocco’s lead. The second goal came in the 82nd minute, after a wonderful team play that ended with a pass from Ibrahim Diaza to Ounahi, who did not miss finishing the attack.
Ounahi’s second goal for Morocco pic.twitter.com/GltNzEtFnC
— Tanja7 (@Tanja7com) July 4, 2026
In the 90+8 minute, Sofiane Rahimi completed the trio with a beautiful goal in stoppage time, taking advantage of a quick counter-attack, thus ending the match with a significant and comfortable victory. The heroes of the match.
Ounahi… The Hero of the Night
Azeddine Ounahi was undoubtedly the standout player of the match. He scored two crucial goals, dominated the midfield, and proved that he is one of the best midfielders in the tournament. This performance is a culmination of his ongoing efforts with the national team since his impressive debut in the 2022 World Cup.
An Achievement that Reflects Moroccan Progress
With this qualification, Morocco becomes the only Arab team to reach the quarter-finals in two consecutive editions of the World Cup (following their historic achievement in 2022). This success reflects the development of Moroccan football, the systematic work in infrastructure and academies, in addition to the fighting spirit and tactical discipline that characterize the Atlas Lions.
The Upcoming Challenge
In the quarter-finals, Morocco awaits the winner of the match between Paraguay and France. Whether the opponent is the strong France or the resilient Paraguay, Morocco enters the match with high confidence and great ambition to reach the semi-finals.
Rahimi’s third goal for Morocco against Canada pic.twitter.com/WpYiLbMSLm
— Tanja7 (@Tanja7com) July 4, 2026
