Morocco Weathers First-Half Storm to Teach Co-Hosts a Knockout Lesson
Four years after captivating the football world during Morocco’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals, Azzedine Ounahi once again stood at the center of the Atlas Lions’ win in the Americas against Canada.
One of only four players who started Morocco’s famous semifinal defeat to France in Qatar to retain a place in the Atlas Lions’ starting lineup for this Round of 16 encounter, Ounahi delivered a masterclass in Houston, scoring twice as Morocco defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 to become the first nation to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
In a Moroccan starting XI increasingly dominated by a new generation of talent, Ounahi also carried another distinction: the midfielder was the only player born in Casablanca to start for the Atlas Lions on a night when experience and composure proved decisive.
A late strike from substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the victory, ending Canada’s remarkable tournament journey while keeping alive Morocco’s dream of matching—or surpassing—their achievements in Qatar.
While Morocco’s squad has undergone significant evolution since their semifinal run in 2022, Ounahi remains one of the enduring symbols of that golden generation.
Alongside Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou, Azzedine Ounahi and a handful of other survivors from Qatar was tasked with guiding a team featuring several players experiencing their first World Cup knockout stages. Against an energetic Canadian side backed by a passionate crowd, his experience quickly became invaluable.
The opening 45 minutes developed into physical battle dominated by pressing and fierce challenges. Canada began brightly, disrupting Morocco’s rhythm and forcing the North Africans into uncomfortable areas of the pitch.
Jesse Marsch’s side produced the best chance of the half when Ali Ahmed found Tani Oluwaseyi, who escaped the attention of Redouane Halhal and raced through on goal. However, Morocco’s Canada-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an outstanding left-footed save to preserve parity.
Morocco suffered an early setback in the 22nd minute when their top scorer Ismael Saibari was forced off with a muscle injury. The increasingly heated encounter spilled into the referee’s notebook, with six yellow cards shown before halftime, including bookings for Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea after a heated confrontation.
Ounahi Takes Control
If the first half belonged to Canada’s energy, the second belonged entirely to Azzedine Ounahi.
Five minutes after the restart, Morocco’s patience and intelligence finally broke Canadian resistance. After Luc de Fougerolles conceded a free kick in a dangerous area, Canada prepared for a conventional cross into the penalty area.
Instead, Achraf Hakimi disguised a low pass toward the edge of the box, where Ounahi had ghosted into space. The midfielder met the ball first time, sending a superb right-footed strike through a crowd of players and beyond the despairing dive of Maxime Crépeau. The goal transformed the match.
«”We knew we had to remain patient and exploit the spaces they left when pressing. The opening goal gave us the control we needed.” — Azzedine Ounahi echoed postaych.
As Canada searched for an equalizer, Morocco’s veteran core expertly controlled the tempo. Every attack appeared to flow through Ounahi, whose performance recalled the displays that made him one of the breakout stars of Qatar 2022.
Then, with eight minutes remaining, he delivered the decisive blow.
Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz, Ounahi showed remarkable composure to finish from close range and secure his second goal of the evening, effectively ending Canada’s hopes of another famous comeback.
Deep into stoppage time, Díaz provided a second assist, releasing substitute Soufiane Rahimi to calmly finish and complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
Canada’s Dream Ends, Morocco’s Continues
Although Canada’s campaign ends in disappointment, the co-hosts leave this tournament having achieved several milestones. After entering the competition without ever having won a men’s World Cup match, Les Rouges advanced from the group stage for the first time and recorded a knockout victory over South Africa. For Morocco, however, the journey continues.
As one of the final remaining architects of the nation’s greatest footballing achievement, Ounahi once again demonstrated why the Lions continue to trust him at the heart of the midfield. Four years after helping Morocco redefine African football on the world stage, the Casablanca-born midfielder now has the opportunity to lead a new generation even further.
Morocco will travel to Boston for their quarterfinal clash on July 9, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 encounter between France and Paraguay.
