Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday in Houston, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage of the tournament more than once.
Azzedine Ounahi led Morocco with two goals in the second half. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Ounahi broke through in the 50th minute, taking a free kick from Achraf Hakimi and sending a right-footed shot through traffic from outside the box into the bottom right corner. He added a second goal in the 82nd minute, finishing from the middle of the box after a pass from Brahim Díaz. Soufiane Rahimi scored Morocco’s third goal in stoppage time.
The result sends Morocco into a quarterfinal match against the winner of Paraguay-France, scheduled for Thursday at Boston Stadium. Morocco, ranked sixth by FIFA, reached the round of 16 after eliminating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.
Canada’s loss ended its most successful World Cup run. The co-host had reached the knockout stage after a 1-0 win over South Africa, marking the country’s first knockout-round victory. Canada was appearing in the World Cup for only the third time.
Canada created several late chances but could not convert. Jonathan David sent a free kick over the crossbar in the 78th minute, and shortly afterward Tajon Buchanan had a long-range attempt stopped by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Bounou, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents, made three saves.
The match was also physical, with eight yellow cards issued, four to each team. A brief confrontation occurred in the 40th minute after Hakimi shoved Canada’s Richie Laryea, who then pushed back. Both players were booked.
Morocco also dealt with an early injury, as midfielder Ismael Saibari left the match in the 22nd minute. The win continues Morocco’s strong recent World Cup record after its fourth-place finish in 2022.