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Morocco ended Canada’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign with a ruthless 3-0 victory on Saturday, becoming the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals while sending the tournament co-hosts crashing out in the last 16.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi struck twice in the second half before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time goal as the 2022 semi-finalists secured a comfortable victory after weathering early Canadian pressure.
Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid for a second successive deep World Cup run.
Canada, playing the biggest match in their football history, impressed in the opening half but failed to convert their dominance into goals.
Backed by a crowd of 68,777 at Houston Stadium, Jesse Marsch’s side made the brighter start despite being heavily outnumbered by Moroccan supporters.
Tani Oluwaseyi came closest to breaking the deadlock early on, forcing Montreal-born Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a smart save with an outstretched leg after 10 minutes. Defender Alistair Johnston also wasted a free header from one of Canada’s several first-half corners.
Morocco suffered an early setback when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals in the tournament, was forced off injured after 20 minutes, with Rahimi replacing him.
The first half produced more yellow cards than clear-cut chances. Referee Michael Oliver handed out six bookings, including four to Morocco, following a series of robust challenges. A brief confrontation between Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea shortly before half-time resulted in both players being cautioned.
Morocco emerged after the break with renewed purpose and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute. Hakimi’s low free-kick found Ounahi unmarked outside the penalty area, and the midfielder fired a first-time shot beyond goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Ounahi doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with another composed first-time finish after a swift break.
Rahimi completed the scoring with the final kick of the match, sliding the ball home in the eighth minute of stoppage time to seal an emphatic victory.
The defeat ended a landmark campaign for Canada, who had already made history by recording their first World Cup victory and first knockout-stage win to reach the last 16.
For Morocco, the result underlined their growing stature on the world stage as they moved within two wins of another World Cup semi-final appearance.
