Unbeaten in 34 matches - why Morocco are World Cup contenders

Morocco has advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the second tournament in a row, following a 3-0 victory over Canada in a match that showcased grit over flair. The North African team secured their win despite registering only five shots on goal, the fewest by any team winning a World Cup knockout match on record. The first half was notably devoid of attacking action, marked by more yellow cards than shots on target.

However, Morocco demonstrated the mark of a great team by winning "ugly." This victory extends their remarkable unbeaten streak to 34 matches across all competitions. While this record includes a 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final win that is currently under legal challenge, their last defeat in any match was against Kenya in August 2025 during the African Nations Championship, a tournament exclusively for players in domestic leagues.

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They were bending a little bit but they didn't break.

Canada had early opportunities, with goalkeeper Bono making key saves from Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. For the first 15 minutes, Morocco barely touched the ball in the opposition's box, a repeat of their previous fixture. Yet, once Morocco settled into the game, they asserted control. Canada's manager, Jesse Marsch, acknowledged that his team "were bending a little bit but they didn't break."

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The first half was very intense. There were a few adjustments to be made at half-time. We were never safe from pressure. What matters is we didn't change our identity, we didn't change our game philosophy. There were lots of ideas being thrown around and we took the best one.

In a contest featuring two teams with talented "golden generations," Morocco's players shone. While Canada missed the presence of the injured Alphonso Davies, Morocco effectively neutralized Stephen Eustaquio's passing and stifled star striker Jonathan David. Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi, considered one of the world's best right-backs, was a constant threat, while playmaker Brahim Diaz provided two assists, bringing his World Cup total to four – the most by any African player.

"The first half was very intense," said Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi. "There were a few adjustments to be made at half-time. We were never safe from pressure." He emphasized the team's commitment to their identity and game philosophy, highlighting resilience in difficult moments. "What matters is when we are not at our best, we have to be resilient. We have to remember who we are playing for and what we are playing for."

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We are playing the World Cup which means there will be difficult moments. What matters is when we are not at our best, we have to be resilient. We have to remember who we are playing for and what we are playing for.