Ounahi's double sends Canada out of World Cup as Morocco reaches quarter-finals
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Houston to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice, and Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time.
Morocco became the first team to reach the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals by defeating co-host Canada 3-0 on Saturday at Houston Stadium. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was the star, scoring two goals in the second half, while substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third in the 98th minute.
The first half was physical and low on goalmouth action, with referee Michael Oliver showing six yellow cards. Canada started brightly, with Tani Oluwaseyi forcing a save from Morocco's Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 10th minute. Defender Alistair Johnston also missed a free header from a corner. Morocco struggled early and lost midfielder Ismael Saibari to injury, replaced by Rahimi.
After halftime, Morocco emerged transformed. In the 50th minute, Achraf Hakimi's free kick found Ounahi unmarked at the edge of the box, and he swept it home first time. Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was unsighted by his own defenders. On 82 minutes, Ounahi struck again on a counterattack, finishing with his right foot. Rahimi sealed the win in stoppage time.
Canada, making their first knockout appearance after winning a World Cup match for the first time, fought hard but could not find the net. The crowd of 68,777 was heavily pro-Morocco. Morocco, who beat Canada in the 2022 group stage, will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals.
