Morocco secured a 2‑0 victory over Canada in the round‑of‑16, a result that surprised many given the Canadian side’s early dominance in possession. Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute, and Brahim Diaz added the second in the 82nd, both moments coming after a period when Canada had been the more aggressive side. Soufiane Rahimi and Diego Gomez also featured prominently in Morocco’s midfield, providing additional width and creativity.
Quarterfinal Clash Looms as Morocco Prepares to Face France
France, meanwhile, edged past Paraguay 1‑0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty in the 70th minute. Despite a modest shot count, Les Bleus controlled the tempo, holding nearly 60 % of possession and forcing Paraguay into a defensive posture for much of the contest. Kylian Mbappe’s strike proved decisive, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Both victorious teams will meet in the quarterfinals on 9 July in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a venue that has previously hosted several high‑profile fixtures. The encounter promises a clash of styles, with Morocco’s compact defensive organization set against France’s possession‑driven approach. Ismael Saibar and Achraf Hakimi were among the players who helped marshal a disciplined back line for Morocco, while Mauricio provided steady midfield presence for France.
The schedule also features Brazil versus Norway and Mexico versus England on 5 July, before a brief football‑free day on 8 July. The quarterfinals will run from 9 to 11 July, after which the tournament will move toward its decisive stages.
Morocco’s full‑back Achraf Hakimi and midfielder Ismael Saibar were among the players who helped marshal a disciplined back line, while Canada’s forward Desire Doue and defender Orlando Gill struggled to break through. For France, veteran Mauricio contributed a steady presence in midfield, underscoring the depth of the squad. The tournament’s governing body, FIFA, continues to oversee the logistics across venues ranging from Houston, Texas, to Vancouver, British Columbia, ensuring that each match meets the logistical and regulatory standards expected of a global event.