Morocco are World Cup contenders with 34-match unbeaten run
Morocco's national football team continues their impressive World Cup run, remaining unbeaten in 34 matches after a 3-0 win over Canada. The victory secures a spot in the quarter-finals, and the team is seen as a genuine title contender.
Morocco are on another fairytale World Cup journey, even if their latest win over Canada was more about grit than grace. The North African side beat the 2026 co-hosts 3-0 in their round of 16 match in Houston, despite having only five shots on goal – the fewest by any team winning a World Cup knockout match on record. The first half saw more yellow cards than shots, a first in World Cup history.
But Morocco prevailed, and as the saying goes, the mark of a great team is knowing how to win ugly. They are now unbeaten not only in this tournament but in their last 34 matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came against Kenya in August 2025 in the African Nations Championship.
Canada had early chances, but Moroccan goalkeeper Bono saved efforts from Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. After the first 15 minutes, Morocco took control and never looked back. Canada coach Jesse Marsch noted, "They were bending a little but they didn't break." Captain Achraf Hakimi was a constant threat, and Brahim Diaz provided two assists, giving him four in World Cups – the most of any African player.
"We didn't change our identity or our game philosophy," said Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi. "In the World Cup, there will be difficult moments. What matters is resilience."
Morocco have now reached back-to-back men's World Cup quarter-finals. They have won four World Cup knockout matches – as many as all other African nations combined. One more win would match their 2022 semi-final achievement, making them the first African team ever to reach that stage.
The success is no accident. Long-term investment backed by King Mohammed VI, including an academy and a $65 million training complex opened in 2009 and 2019, has transformed Moroccan football. This has allowed the recruitment of diaspora players like Hakimi and Diaz, both born in Spain.
"Everything happening now in Moroccan football is thanks to Mohammed VI," Ouahbi said. "He has invested a lot, especially in this academy."
While Morocco have not yet faced their toughest test – a potential quarter-final against France – their run has established them as genuine contenders to become Africa's first world champions.
