Ounahi Nets Brace as Atlas Lions Extend Unbeaten Run, Set Up Quarter-Final Clash with France
Morocco have become the first nation to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 clash, extending their impressive unbeaten run in regulation time to 34 matches.
The Atlas Lions, one of Africa’s remaining representatives at the tournament alongside Egypt, delivered another disciplined and clinical performance to continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.
Following a tightly contested first half that produced more yellow cards than shots on target, Morocco finally broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart through midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
The midfielder curled a brilliant finish into the bottom corner after a well-worked free-kick routine involving captain Achraf Hakimi, leaving the Canadian defence with no chance.
Canada responded by pushing more players forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco remained organised defensively while posing a constant threat on the counterattack.
Their attacking efficiency paid off again in the 82nd minute when Brahim DÃaz led a rapid break before setting up Ounahi, who clinically fired home his second goal of the evening to double Morocco’s advantage.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the emphatic victory deep into stoppage time, finishing another swift counterattack to seal a comprehensive 3-0 triumph.
The encounter was as physical as it was tactical. The opening 45 minutes produced just five attempts at goal but six yellow cards, marking the first time since detailed FIFA World Cup records began in 1966 that a first half featured more bookings than shots.
Morocco’s latest success builds on their historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
With another quarter-final appearance now secured, the Atlas Lions have strengthened hopes of becoming the first African country to win the FIFA World Cup.
Morocco will now face France in the quarter-finals after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0, setting up a blockbuster last-eight encounter as the Atlas Lions continue their pursuit of more World Cup history.
