Co-hosts Canada were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Morocco in a 3-0 defeat in Houston. Despite a strong start by Canada, Morocco’s clinical second-half performance secured their place in the quarter-finals. Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, thwarted Canada’s early chances, while tensions rose with seven yellow cards shown in the first half.
In the second half, a revamped Morocco team took the lead through Azzedine Ounahi after a free-kick from Achraf Hakimi. Despite Canada’s efforts to equalize, Morocco’s defense held firm, limiting Canada to just three shots on target. Ounahi scored his second goal in the 82nd minute, followed by Soufiane Rahimi’s goal in stoppage time to seal the victory.
The defeat marked the end of Canada’s impressive World Cup journey, which included historic milestones like their first World Cup point, win, and progression to the knockouts. Captain Alphonso Davies was absent due to injury. Morocco will now face either Paraguay or France in the quarterfinals.
