Canada 0-3 Morocco: Ounahi Brace Ends Co-Hosts’ Dream as Atlas Lions Roar Into Quarterfinals
Morocco produced a clinical second-half display to beat Canada 3-0 in Houston and march into the World Cup quarterfinals, ending the co-hosts’ remarkable run in the process. An Azzedine Ounahi brace and a late Soufiane Rahimi strike settled a tie that had promised much but ultimately belonged to the Atlas Lions.
How the Match Unfolded
The opening 45 minutes were a cagey, pedestrian affair, with both sides cancelling each other out and clear chances at a premium. Canada, roared on by a partisan crowd, matched their more fancied opponents for long spells and will have been content to reach the interval level.
Morocco, however, emerged from the break a different proposition. Ounahi took control of the contest, breaking the deadlock and then adding a second to put the Atlas Lions in command. Suddenly clinical where they had earlier been passive, Morocco seized the initiative and never looked back.
Rahimi applied the finishing touch late on, converting to make it 3-0 and put the result beyond any doubt. What had been a tight tie at the interval finished as a comfortable, statement victory for one of the tournament’s most dangerous outsiders.
By the Numbers
| Key moments | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Canada 0-3 Morocco |
| Morocco scorers | Ounahi (2), Rahimi |
| Venue | Houston |
| Half-time | 0-0 |
| Note | Canada the first co-host eliminated |
Key Talking Points
Ounahi was the game’s outstanding performer, his brace transforming a stalemate into a rout and showcasing the midfield quality that makes Morocco such a threat. Building on their run to the semifinals four years ago, the Atlas Lions again look like a side capable of going deep, combining defensive solidity with match-winning individuals in the final third.
For Canada, this is the end of a proud campaign. As one of the three host nations they carried the weight of expectation, and becoming the first co-host to be eliminated will sting. Yet a run to the last 16 on home soil represents genuine progress for a program on the rise, and there is plenty to build on.
What’s Next
Morocco advance to a mouth-watering quarterfinal against France, who edged past Paraguay. It is a repeat of the 2022 semifinal in Qatar, and the Atlas Lions will relish the chance to test themselves against one of the pre-tournament favourites. On this evidence, Morocco have the tools to trouble anyone left in the draw.
Prime Hunt Daily will bring you full coverage, match analysis and previews throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages.