Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday in Houston, ending the North American side’s historic campaign and making them the first tournament co-host to be eliminated.
The 2022 semi-finalists will now face either France or Paraguay in the last eight as the tournament heads into its decisive stages.
After a tightly contested first half that produced more yellow cards than clear-cut chances, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart with a well-struck first-time finish from the edge of the box.
Canada responded positively in search of an equaliser, but Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute to put the result beyond doubt before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third with the final kick of the game.
Despite the scoreline, Canada impressed in the opening half in front of a crowd of 68,777, producing the better chances as they looked to continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
Playing the biggest match in the nation’s football history, Jesse Marsch’s side started brightly, with Tani Oluwaseyi forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into an early save after turning sharply inside the penalty area.
Canada also threatened from set pieces, with defender Alistair Johnston heading wide from a free opportunity after one of several first-half corners, as Morocco struggled to find their rhythm.
The Atlas Lions suffered an early setback when Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari, who had scored three goals at the tournament, was forced off injured after 20 minutes and replaced by Rahimi.
Rahimi registered Morocco’s first shot on target shortly after the cooling break with an ambitious long-range effort.
Tempers flared just before half-time when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Canada’s Richie Laryea were involved in a brief confrontation, earning yellow cards from referee Michael Oliver, who booked six players during a scrappy opening period.
Morocco emerged a different side after the interval and took the lead in the 50th minute when Hakimi’s low free-kick found an unmarked Ounahi, who rifled a first-time shot past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Canada continued to press but left gaps at the back, allowing Ounahi to double Morocco’s advantage on a swift counterattack in the 82nd minute with another composed first-time finish.
Rahimi completed the scoring in stoppage time, sealing a convincing victory that sent Morocco into the quarter-finals while bringing Canada’s memorable World Cup campaign to an end.
