
15 days · 2 summary articles
Morocco reach World Cup quarterfinals with 3-0 win over Canada, set up France clash
Morocco fans celebrate World Cup win over Netherlands as Dutch supporters react in stunned silence
Morocco made history on Saturday by becoming the first team to qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston. The Atlas Lions, led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, secured their second consecutive appearance in the last eight, following their groundbreaking run to the semifinals at Qatar 2022. Azzedine Ounahi, the 23-year-old midfielder, was the architect of the win, scoring twice in the second half to seal Canada’s fate and send Morocco into a quarterfinal clash with France in Boston on Thursday.
The match began nervously for Morocco, who struggled to impose their usual high-pressing game against a disciplined Canadian side. Canada nearly took the lead in the opening exchanges, but it was Morocco who struck first through Ounahi in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error before doubling their advantage just three minutes later. A late third goal from substitute Youssef Rahimi in stoppage time completed the rout, capping a dominant display that belied the early tension. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Ouahbi said after the game. “Canada played with intensity and heart, but we showed character. This team is built to win.”
Canada’s captain, Stephen Eustáquio, admitted his side had been the better team in the first half but acknowledged Morocco’s efficiency in front of goal. “We controlled the game, we had chances, but the goals changed everything,” he said. “We’re proud to have reached the Round of 16—something we’ve never done before—but we’ll learn from this.”
The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Morocco and among its global diaspora, particularly in Europe. In the Netherlands, Moroccan fans took to the streets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, waving flags and setting off fireworks. However, the revelry turned to unrest in parts of The Hague and Rotterdam, where riot police deployed water cannons and arrested 29 people after clashes involving projectiles and Molotov cocktails. Two police officers and a traffic controller were injured. Authorities closed streets in several districts, including the Schilderswijk in The Hague, as a precaution.
In Gaza, Palestinians celebrated Morocco’s win as a moment of pride, with fans gathering in public squares to watch the match and cheer the team’s progress. Similar scenes unfolded in Brussels, where Moroccan supporters filled the streets of Molenbeek, and in cities across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, where local fan zones erupted in song and dance. The team’s success has transcended sport, resonating deeply within Moroccan communities worldwide.
Morocco’s path to the quarterfinals has been defined by tactical flexibility and resilience. Ouahbi’s side, often described as “organized chaos” for their fluid positional play, struggled early against Canada but found their rhythm through Ounahi’s creativity and the relentless pressing of Hakimi and the wingers. The injury to Ismael Saibari, a key creative force, in the first half added to the early pressure, yet Morocco’s depth and composure under pressure proved decisive.
Looking ahead, Morocco will face a stern test against France, the 2018 champions and tournament favorites, in a match that promises to be a clash of styles: Morocco’s dynamic, collective football against France’s structured, individual brilliance. “We’re here to win,” said Ounahi, who has emerged as a star of the tournament. “We believe in ourselves, and we’ll go into that game with the same mentality.”
For Canada, the tournament ends with a sense of progress despite the heavy defeat. The co-hosts, who had never advanced past the group stage in their previous two World Cup appearances, exceeded expectations and captured the imagination of a nation still discovering its football identity. “This is just the beginning,” said Eustáquio. “We’ve shown the world what Canada can do.”
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