Canada is set to play Morocco in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. This matchup follows Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during the Round of 32 on Monday. The upcoming game will determine which team advances to the quarter-finals.
The two national teams previously met in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On December 1, 2022, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Morocco secured a 2-1 win against Canada. At that time, Canada, ranked 41st, had already been eliminated from knockout stage contention after losses to Belgium and Croatia.
In the 2022 match, Morocco took an early lead in the fourth minute when Hakim Ziyech scored after an error involving Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borgan and defender Steven Vitoria. Approximately 20 minutes later, Youssef En-Nesyri extended Morocco‘s lead to 2-0, receiving a pass from Achraf Hakimi and scoring past Borgan.
Canada responded late in the first half with an own goal by Nayef Aguerd of Morocco, deflecting a cross attempt from Sam Adekugbe. Canadian captain Atiba Hutchinson nearly equalized in the 71st minute, but his header hit the crossbar and landed on the goal line, with a VAR check confirming it did not fully cross. Despite the 2-1 loss, Canada maintained 59 percent possession but did not register a shot on net.
Morocco’s World Cup Journey and Recent Form
Morocco, ranked sixth globally, has achieved significant success in recent tournaments. They were not considered favourites in the 2022 World Cup but advanced to defeat Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds. Their run concluded with a 2-0 loss to France in the semi-final and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the third-place match, marking the best result for an African team in World Cup history.
Since the 2022 tournament, Morocco has continued to perform strongly, winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Senegal. They also finished as runner-up in Pool C of the current World Cup, drawing with Brazil and securing victories against Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2). Morocco‘s advancement from their group marks only the third time an African nation has reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.
The team has also seen changes in its roster and coaching staff. Mohamed Ouahbi took over as manager earlier this year. The current squad includes nine players from their 2022 semi-final run, such as Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. New additions include Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, who has two assists in this World Cup, and PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari, who has scored three goals. Other newcomers are Fulham defender Issa Diop, PSV Eindhoven defender Anass Salah-Eddine, and 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Canada’s Path to the Round of 16
Canada has also shown improvement, moving up to 30th in the world rankings. The team achieved a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America. In the current World Cup, Canada advanced to the Round of 16 after a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, finishing second in Pool B.
Their group stage performance included a 6-0 win against Qatar, which was their first men’s World Cup victory in history. Canada also had a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a 2-1 loss to Switzerland. Jesse Marsch became the new manager for Canada in May 2024.
Half of Canada‘s 26-man roster for this tournament returns from the 2022 World Cup. This includes defenders Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies, Richie Laryea, and Joel Waterman; midfielders Stephen Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, and Jonathan Osorio; forwards Jonathan David and Cyle Larin; and backup goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Midfielder Ismaël Koné is also returning but is currently injured.
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the challenge Canada presents, stating, “People think it’s going to be easy for us. ‘It’s a walk in the park for Morocco.’ Which is not the case. Canada, I know this team. It’s a team that’s going to be difficult for us.” The Round of 16 match is scheduled for July 4 at 1 p.m. EST.
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Source: tsn.ca
