Azzedine Ounahi scores a stunning brace as Morocco defeats Canada 3-0 in Match 90 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 in Houston to reach the quarterfinals.
Introduction:
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have done it again. In a brilliant display of skill, speed, and tactical intelligence, Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Match 90 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The high-stakes Round of 16 match was held at a roaring, packed Houston Stadium in Texas, where football fans witnessed history under the bright stadium lights.
Azzedine Ounahi was the absolute star of the match, scoring two spectacular second-half goals to break Canada’s defensive line. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal deep in stoppage time to complete a perfect night for the North African powerhouse. With this emphatic win, Morocco officially marches into the quarterfinals, leaving Canada out of the tournament.
A Tactical and Hard-Fought First Half
The game started with high energy as both teams tried to set a strong tone. Canada, playing close to home, looked to use their physical presence and quick transitional play to surprise the Moroccan side. Les Rouges pressured high up the pitch, looking for options through Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. See also: Mbappé Secures Narrow 1-0 Win for France Over Paraguay
However, Morocco’s defensive structure looked completely unbreakable. Led by their experienced center-backs, the Atlas Lions easily controlled the early Canadian attacks. As the minutes rolled on, Morocco began to take over the midfield. Achraf Hakimi and Azzedine Ounahi started dictating the speed of the match with neat, short passing combinations.
Canada fought hard in every duel, keeping the game scoreless for the first 45 minutes. Despite creating a few dangerous counterattacks, the North American team struggled to get clear shots on target. The first half ended 0-0, leaving fans in Houston on the edge of their seats for what was turning out to be an unpredictable tactical battle.
Ounahi Breaks the Deadlock in Houston
The second half was a completely different story as Morocco shifted into a much higher gear. Just five minutes after the break, the stadium erupted in red and green colors. In the 50th minute, Azzedine Ounahi found some rare empty space just outside the penalty box. He picked his spot perfectly and fired a beautiful, precise shot that flew past the Canadian goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Going down by a goal forced Canada to take big risks. The Canadian coach substituted fresh attacking players onto the field, pushing more bodies into the box. This strategy opened up massive spaces for Morocco to exploit in the counter-attack.
In the 82nd minute, Ounahi put an end to Canada’s hopes. After a rapid, multi-pass attacking sequence down the right wing, the ball found Ounahi inside the box. He calmly slotted it home for his second goal of the night, giving Morocco a commanding 2-0 lead and putting the game well out of reach.
Rahimi Seals a Perfect Victory
With a two-goal lead, Morocco completely controlled the remaining minutes of the match. Canada looked visually exhausted and emotionally drained after giving their all. Deep into injury time, when everyone expected the referee to blow the final whistle, Morocco struck one last time.
In the 90+8th minute, Soufiane Rahimi made a clever run behind the tired Canadian defenders. He received an excellent through-ball, took a smooth touch, and calmly finished into the corner of the net to seal a 3-0 victory. It was the perfect ending to a tactical masterclass by the African giants.
