Houston: Morocco produced a dominant display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

The match, played in Houston, saw Canada make an energetic start, creating several promising chances in the opening stages. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered an outstanding performance, making a series of crucial saves to keep the hosts off the scoresheet.

Canada's Tani Oluwaseyi came close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute, but Bounou denied the striker with an excellent save. Despite winning several corner kicks, the home side failed to convert their early pressure into a goal.

Morocco suffered a setback in the first half when Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi. Moments before the break, tensions flared between Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada's Richie Laryea, with referee Michael Oliver booking both players. A total of six yellow cards were shown during the first half.

Morocco took control immediately after the restart. In the 50th minute, Azzedine Ounahi met Achraf Hakimi's free-kick with a first-time finish to give his side the lead. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was unsighted by his defenders and could not prevent the opening goal.

Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco's disciplined defence kept the hosts at bay. Ounahi doubled Morocco's advantage in the 82nd minute after a swift counter-attack, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory in stoppage time by scoring Morocco's third goal, ending any hopes of a Canadian comeback.

With the victory, Morocco reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive edition, while Canada became the first host nation to be eliminated from the 2026 tournament.