Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco secured a 3-0 victory over World Cup co-host Canada in the round of 16 on Saturday, July 4, 2026. This win makes Morocco the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals more than once, marking their second consecutive quarterfinal appearance following their historic semifinal run in 2022.
The match remained scoreless until the 50th minute when Ounahi converted a free kick from Achraf Hakimi with a right-footed shot through traffic from outside the box. Ounahi then extended Morocco's lead in the 82nd minute with a right-footed finish off a pass from Brahim Díaz. Soufiane Rahimi added a goal in stoppage time to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
Morocco, ranked sixth in the FIFA rankings, had previously advanced to the round of 16 by defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. They will face the winner of the Paraguay-France match on Thursday at Boston Stadium.
Canada's loss ends their historic World Cup run as co-hosts. The Canadian team had won their first-ever knockout round match with a 1-0 victory over South Africa to reach this stage. During the match, Canadian player Tajon Buchanan had a shot from about 30 yards saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
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