Morocco secured a 3‑0 victory over Canada in the round of 16, with Azzedine Ounahi delivering a decisive double that put the Atlas Lions firmly in control.
Canada entered the match with early pressure but missed a key defender, Alphonso Davies, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, leaving the Canadian side scrambling to fill the gap.
A precise pass from Achraf Hakimi set up Ounahi for the opening goal, and the midfielder added a second strike shortly thereafter, becoming the first African player to score twice in a knockout round since Henri Camara in 2002.
A tactical shift in the second half
Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco’s head coach, praised Canada’s effort but highlighted that his side capitalized on the spaces left by the Canadian defense, allowing the team to shift momentum decisively after the break.
The tactical adjustment came at a cost, as Ismael Saibari was forced off with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi, while Tani Oluwaseyi and Neil El Aynaoui helped stabilize the midfield.
Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, took to X to congratulate the Moroccan squad on their historic run, acknowledging the significance of reaching the quarter‑finals for the second consecutive tournament.
Canada’s coach Marsch, while acknowledging the defeat, highlighted his players’ effort and the narrow margins that defined the match, noting that Morocco’s superior finishing proved decisive.