Morocco ousts Canada 3-0 in World Cup last 16 as Davies absence looms large
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Houston, ending the co-hosts' groundbreaking World Cup run. Canada captain Alphonso Davies missed the match with hamstring discomfort.
Match summary
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup round of 16 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on July 4, 2026. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as the Atlas Lions advanced to the quarterfinals. Canada dominated possession and created several chances in the first half but could not convert.
- Score 0-0, Canada dominant but wasteful
- Ounahi scores first goal for Morocco
- Ounahi doubles Morocco's lead
- Rahimi seals 3-0 victory
Davies absence
Canada captain Alphonso Davies missed the match after feeling hamstring discomfort in training. An MRI showed no injury, but the Bayern Munich wing-back said he was not 100% and did not want to be a burden. Coach Jesse Marsch called it the right decision to preserve his career.
I wanted to be 100% to play the game, I wasn't there yet. It was tough sitting there, watching the game, knowing that I'm not 100%.
Canada's pride
Despite the loss, Marsch said he was proud of his players, who he believed were the better team for long stretches. Canada Soccer posted an emotional message on Instagram, thanking fans and declaring that the country's football journey is only beginning.
Every story has an ending. This one just doesn't feel like one right now.... History wasn't just made on the pitch. It was made in homes, schools, parks, pubs, and communities across this country.
Morocco's clinical edge
Morocco absorbed pressure and struck clinically, scoring from three of their four shots on target. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi credited a tactical shift that pushed Ounahi higher up the pitch. The win lifted Morocco to sixth in the world rankings and reinforced their status as a contender.
The smallest details in a match can make a big difference. And if you do not take your chances when you are on top, that will cost you.
What's next
Morocco will face France in the quarterfinals on July 9, a rematch of the 2022 semifinal that France won 2-0. Canada exit the tournament having achieved their first World Cup point, first win, and first knockout-stage victory, with Marsch urging the program to use the experience as a springboard.
