Morocco sends Canada packing in historic World Cup win

Morocco secured a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, July 4, after beating Canada 3-0 in Houston, Texas.

The victory made Morocco the first African nation to reach the tournament's last eight on more than one occasion.

The match was goalless at half-time before Morocco broke the deadlock shortly after the restart.

Azzedine Ounahi latched onto an Achraf Hakimi free kick and fired a long-range effort into the bottom corner.

Ounahi grabbed his second in the 82nd minute after being set up by Brahim Díaz, before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.

The result continues Morocco's remarkable rise following their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup. By reaching consecutive quarter-finals, the Atlas Lions have further cemented their status as one of world football's emerging powerhouses.

Morocco will now travel to Boston for a quarter-final clash against France on Thursday.

For Canada, the defeat ended a landmark campaign.

Despite the disappointment, the tournament co-hosts celebrated their first-ever knockout stage victory, edging South Africa 1-0 to book a place in the Round of 16.

Morocco is not the only African nation still in the competition.

Egypt also made history on Friday, July 3, by claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout stage victory after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

The breakthrough, achieved in the Pharaohs' fourth World Cup appearance, booked a quarter-final meeting with Argentina on Tuesday, July 7, at Atlanta Stadium in the United States.