World Cup: Ounahi brace sends Morocco to quarter-finals

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Houston to become the first nation to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former Olympique de Marseille midfielder struck twice after the break to cap another impressive performance from the Atlas Lions, who will now face either France or Paraguay for a place in the semi-finals.

Canada made the brighter start and threatened to take an early lead through Jonathan David. The former LOSC striker forced Yassine Bounou into a smart save before Tani Oluwaseyi also tested the Moroccan goalkeeper, who reacted brilliantly to keep the scores level. Jesse Marsch's side continued to pile on the pressure, earning a succession of early corners, but Morocco gradually settled into the contest despite losing Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari to injury after just 20 minutes.

With Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi once again impressing in midfield, Morocco enjoyed more possession before the interval, although neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because Ounahi played for Marseille 🇲🇦🥹 pic.twitter.com/HaQCWasl5G
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) July 4, 2026

Former Marseille man makes the difference

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second period. Achraf Hakimi delivered a clever free-kick from the right and Ounahi, arriving on the edge of the area, swept a superb first-time finish beyond Maxime Crépeau to hand the Atlas Lions the advantage.

Canada refused to give in and continued to search for an equaliser, but Morocco defended resolutely. Buchanan tested Bounou from distance before Jonathan David was repeatedly crowded out by a disciplined Moroccan back line marshalled by Issa Diop.

As Canada committed bodies forward, Morocco struck decisively on the counter eight minutes from time. Brahim Díaz kept his composure inside the penalty area before pulling the ball back for Ounahi, who emphatically rifled his second goal of the afternoon into the top corner.

Soufiane Rahimi almost added a third when his header struck the crossbar late on,

It took until injury time for a third to come the way of the Atlas Lions, as Rahimi got on the end of Brahim Diaz's ball across the box and finished low across the keeper.

Having already eliminated the Netherlands in the previous round, the Atlas Lions continue their impressive run and remain on course to match, or even surpass, their historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.