CORNERFLICK
Morocco and Canada meet in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 tonight, with the tie due to kick off at 8.30pm Tehran time.
Morocco arrive with the stronger record. Their run to the 2022 semi-finals set the standard, and they have carried that form into this tournament with a draw against Brazil in the group stage and a win over the Netherlands in the last 16.
That sequence has underlined a side built on organisation, defensive discipline and sharp use of chances. Morocco have shown they are no longer in the competition simply to contain stronger teams.
Canada are in different territory. This is their first appearance in the knockout rounds of a World Cup, and they have reached this stage after a relatively favourable group and a last-16 path that included South Africa.
They now face a far tougher task against a side with big-game experience and clear tactical control. Canada will need a near-perfect performance to keep their tournament alive, while Morocco will look to build on the momentum that has carried them here.