HOUSTON: Azzedine Ounahi scored a brace as Morocco ended the host FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-0 victory at the Houston Stadium on Sunday.
Ounahi scored twice to propel the Atlas Lions into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup in front of a crowd of 68,777. This marked the first time an African nation had reached the World Cup quarter-finals in consecutive editions (2022 and 2026).
Canada remained excellent in the buildup, as both Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi were prevented from getting a one-on-one by Morocco’s goalkeeper Bono inside the first 11 minutes.
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Morocco were in trouble as their main striker, Ismael Saibari, came off for Rahimi. Despite this, Canada was unable to net a goal in the first half, and the half ended in a stalemate.
There was a flashpoint shortly before half-time when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and defender Richie Laryea had a brief shoving match, with both shown yellow cards.
However, Ounahi scored a goal five minutes past the break to open the scoring. The 26-year-old capitalized on a free-kick taken by Achraf Hakimi, who sent the ball into the area, with Ounahi angling the ball into the bottom corner.
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In the 82nd minute, Ounahi was the man in the right place again on the breakaway with another right-footed first-time finish, before Rahimi pounced in the 98th minute to cap off an excellent game for Morocco.
Morocco will now play France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Friday, 10 July. For Canada, it was a successful campaign as they earned their first World Cup point, advanced to the knockout stage for the first time and secured their maiden knockout victory.
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