Ounahi double sends Morocco into World Cup last eight

Morocco 3-0 Canada Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco swept aside co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday to book their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and keep alive Africa's hopes of lifting the trophy. Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as the Atlas Lions produced another disciplined and clinical display to set up a quarter-final showdown with either France or Paraguay. Victory moves Morocco within one win of a second consecutive World Cup semi-final after their historic run in Qatar four years ago, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the tournament. The scoreline, however, did not reflect the balance of play during a fiercely contested encounter. Canada, playing in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, started brightly and looked the more threatening side during the opening exchanges. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was called into action several times early on, producing important saves to frustrate the North Americans as they searched for a breakthrough. Morocco also suffered an early setback when influential forward Ismaël Saibari was forced off injured after just 22 minutes, raising concerns for coach Walid Regragui ahead of the latter stages of the tournament. Despite losing one of their key attacking players, the Atlas Lions gradually settled into the contest and once again demonstrated the efficiency that has become their trademark. The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart. Achraf Hakimi surged forward from right-back before picking out Ounahi, who calmly guided his finish beyond Maxime Crépeau to give Morocco a priceless lead. Canada attempted to respond, committing more players forward in search of an equaliser, but doing so left space for Morocco's devastating counter-attacks. The Atlas Lions punished them ruthlessly. Brahim Díaz led another rapid break before slipping the ball into the path of Ounahi, who showed remarkable composure to slot home his second goal of the afternoon and put Morocco firmly in control. With Canada chasing the game in the closing stages, Morocco delivered the final blow. Another swift counterattack carved open the Canadian defence and Rahimi finished clinically to make it 3-0, sealing a memorable victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling Moroccan supporters. Although the match produced more yellow cards than shots on target, Morocco's superior organisation, defensive discipline and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive. Canada exit the tournament with plenty of credit after reaching the knockout stage for the first time, but they were unable to find a way past a Moroccan side that continues to impress with its balance between defensive resilience and attacking efficiency. For Morocco, the dream continues. If France overcome Paraguay, the Atlas Lions will have the opportunity to avenge their heartbreaking semi-final defeat at the 2022 World Cup. Should Paraguay spring another upset, Morocco will instead face the surprise package of the tournament for a place in the last four. Either way, the Atlas Lions have once again shown they are no longer outsiders on football's biggest stage- they are genuine contenders.

World Cup 2026

Ounahi double sends Morocco into World Cup last eight