World Cup: Morocco become first team into quarter-finals after beating Canada 3-0

Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic achievement as the first team to secure a spot in the next round. Their clinical 3-0 victory over Canada extended their impressive unbeaten streak in regulation time to 34 matches. The Atlas Lions, Africa's sole remaining representatives alongside Egypt, demonstrated their growing prominence on the global football stage with a disciplined performance. After a tense first half with more yellow cards than shots on goal, Morocco broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi curled a stunning free-kick into the net, expertly set up by captain Achraf Hakimi. Canada pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Morocco's defense held firm, and they remained a threat on the counterattack. Ounahi doubled their lead in the 82nd minute, converting a swift break initiated by Brahim Díaz. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the convincing 3-0 win with a late goal during stoppage time. This latest success builds on Morocco's groundbreaking journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach that stage. The team's continued progress in the current tournament fuels aspirations of delivering Africa's first-ever World Cup title. Morocco now awaits the winner of the France vs. Paraguay match in the quarter-finals.

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Morocco became the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a clinical 3-0 victory over Canada, extending their remarkable unbeaten run in regulation time to 34 matches.