Morocco eliminates Canada from World Cup, first host nation out

Morocco secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston, making Canada the first of the three host nations to exit the tournament. Canada controlled much of the first half but failed to find the net. Morocco took over in the second half.

All goals came after halftime. In the 50th minute, Achraf Hakimi set up Azedine Unai, who fired from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner. In the 82nd minute, Brahim Diaz passed to Unai in the box, and Unai struck again into the top right corner. In the 85th minute, Soufiane Rahimi headed the ball off the crossbar. Deep into stoppage time (8th minute), Rahimi finished a counterattack from the left side of the box, beating the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Canada, co-hosts alongside the United States and Mexico, began the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then routed Qatar 6-0, and lost to Switzerland 1-2. In the Round of 16, they edged South Africa 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil, beat Scotland 1-0, and defeated Haiti 4-2 in group play, then advanced past the Netherlands on penalties (3-2) after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

Morocco will face the winner of the France vs. Paraguay match in the quarterfinals. This is the first World Cup featuring 48 teams, held across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.