Morocco Spank Canada 3-0 as Co-Hosts Become First Nation Eliminated in The Round of 16

Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a ruthless 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada on Saturday, ending the hosts’ historic campaign and making them the first host nation eliminated in the Round of 16 of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A second-half masterclass from the Atlas Lions saw Azzedine Ounahi score twice before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time third to seal an emphatic victory at Gillette Stadium.

Morocco will now face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals on July 9, with a place in the last four at stake.

Canada made the brighter start and dominated much of the opening period, finishing the first half with four shots, two on target and the game’s only clear-cut chance. Morocco, meanwhile, managed just one attempt before the break but remained organised and patient.

The contest changed immediately after halftime when Morocco capitalised on their first real opening to take the lead. The goal shifted momentum completely, allowing Walid Regragui’s side to showcase the clinical efficiency that has become their trademark.

Ounahi doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute with his second goal of the evening before Rahimi completed the rout in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

The victory also highlighted Morocco’s attacking depth. The Atlas Lions have now produced six different goalscorers at a single FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

The only concern for Morocco was the injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Saibari, who limped off with a suspected hamstring problem and is now racing against time to recover before the quarter-finals.

For Canada, the defeat marked an unfortunate milestone.

The co-hosts became the first host nation to be eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the first host nation in World Cup history to lose a knockout match without scoring a goal.

Despite an encouraging first-half display, Jesse Marsch’s side failed to convert their chances before Morocco’s experience and composure proved decisive after the interval.

Morocco, meanwhile, continue to build on their remarkable World Cup legacy, advancing to a second consecutive quarter-final with another convincing knockout victory.