Morocco knock out Canada to reach quarter-finals

Morocco beat Canada 2-0 in Houston to become the first side into the quarter-finals of the 23rd World Cup.

Azzedine Ounahi settled the tie with goals in the 50th and 82nd minutes after a goalless first half at Heston Stadium.

Canada, one of the 2026 World Cup hosts, had taken the match away from home after progressing from the group stage, but struggled to turn their spells of pressure into clear chances.

Morocco controlled much of the first half despite an early setback when Saibari went off injured. The match stayed level until shortly after the interval, when Ounahi finished a right-side delivery low into the net.

Canada pushed for an equaliser, but Morocco stayed organised and broke again late on. Ounahi then struck his second with a firm finish into the roof of the net to seal the result. Morocco hit the crossbar a minute later and could have added a third.