World Cup 2026: Ounahi Brace Powers Morocco Past Canada into Quarter-Finals
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada, producing another composed and clinical performance to continue their remarkable run on football’s biggest stage.
A brilliant second-half brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed a deserved victory for the Atlas Lions, who have now reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament.
Canada began the contest brightly and almost stunned Morocco with an early breakthrough. Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi latched onto a pass inside the penalty area and attempted to beat Bono from close range, but the experienced Moroccan goalkeeper reacted sharply to make a comfortable save.
Morocco were then dealt an early setback when Ismael Saibari was forced off through injury during the first half, prompting head coach Walid Regragui to introduce Soufiane Rahimi earlier than planned.
Despite the disruption, the North Africans remained organised and gradually took control of proceedings, although both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances before the interval.
The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes into the second half.
Achraf Hakimi found Azzedine Ounahi in space on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder produced a superb low finish into the bottom-right corner to hand Morocco a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal transformed the match, with the Atlas Lions growing in confidence as they dominated possession and dictated the tempo, while Canada found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Morocco’s disciplined defensive structure.
Morocco continued to threaten on the counterattack and eventually doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute.
Brahim Díaz calmly squared the ball into the path of Ounahi inside the penalty area, and the midfielder made no mistake, rifling a powerful finish into the top-right corner to complete his brace and effectively put the contest beyond Canada’s reach.
Rahimi nearly added a third moments later when he met a perfectly delivered cross with a thunderous header, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
The substitute would not be denied for long.
Deep into stoppage time, Rahimi capped an outstanding Moroccan performance with a composed finish to make it 3-0, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Atlas Lions supporters.
The final whistle confirmed another famous victory for Morocco, whose disciplined defending, tactical organisation and clinical finishing proved too much for the tournament co-hosts.
The result sends Morocco into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France as they continue their quest to make even more World Cup history.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
