Canada and Morocco have both qualified for the 2026 World Cup round of 16, and meet on Saturday, July 4th.
Canada had never won a World Cup match before this tournament, and now find themselves in the round of 16 after defeating South Africa in the round of 32.
Morocco have become the first African team to win a World Cup knockout stage match in back-to-back tournaments, after becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals of the tournament in 2022.
Jesse Marsch's team were without two of their star players—Alphonso Davies and Moise Bombito—for most of the group stage, and also lost midfielder Ismaël Koné after he was stretchered off early in the second half against Qatar with a broken leg. As Canada's premier midfielder, his absence was felt in the loss to Switzerland, but Nathan Saliba filled in well against South Africa.
Against South Africa, Bombito made his first start and Davies earned his first appearance of the tournament after coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute.
Canada have looked solid in all areas of the pitch, but have not been as clinical in the final third as they would expect to be. Canada have registered more shots on target than any other team at the 2026 World Cup (As of June 30), but the nation has only scored two goals in their last two games.
Morocco are yet to lose a match through four games, and are coming off a grueling penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands. Morocco dominated all stat categories against the Netherlands, but needed a 91st-minute goal from Issa Diop to tie the score and send the match to extra time.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stood tall in the penalty shootout, and the Atlas Lions defeated the Dutch 3-2 on spot kicks.
Outside of Bounou, Morocco's team is filled with youth in all areas, but the youngsters have shown great maturity throughout the tournament, particularly against the Netherlands.
Ismael Saibari and Neil El Aynaoui have been two of the key standouts in the side. Saibari, 25, leads the team with three goals in four games. El Aynaoui, 24, has played the most minutes outside Bounou and Achraf Hakimi while also leading the team in accurate passes, tackles, and interceptions per 90 minutes.
Canada have been fluid in their attacks throughout the tournament, but if they are unable to convert their opportunities, Morocco's superior mentality could be the difference in the round of 16 matchup.
Canada vs. Morocco Start Time, Date & Location
Co-hosts Canada will face Morocco in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4th.
The match kicks off at 1:00 PM ET at the Houston Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Canada's Starting Lineup Prediction
Manager: Jesse Marsch
Formation: 4-4-2
ST | ST | ||||
LM | RM | ||||
CM | CM | ||||
LB | RB | ||||
CB | CB | ||||
GK | |||||
Moise Bombito will likely start for the second match in a row after sending 20-year-old Luc De Fougerolles to the bench.
Alphonso Davies is expected to make his first start of the 2026 World Cup after returning from injury and could take up a more advanced position to keep Richie Laryea in the side. Laryea has been excellent defensively, and would allow Davies to utilize his attacking skillset up front.
Cyle Larin could pair with Jonathan David up front, replacing Tani Oluwaseyi who has not been very effective in front of goal.
Morocco's Starting Lineup Prediction
Manager: Mohamed Ouahbi
Formation: 4-2-3-1
ST | |||||
LM | AM | RM | |||
CM | CM | ||||
LB | RB | ||||
CB | CB | ||||
GK | |||||
Morocco will make minimal changes to the lineup that started against the Netherlands. Chadi Riad left the match with a knock and is now questionable to play against Canada.
Noussair Mazraoui could slide into Riad's place next to Diop, while Anass Salah-Eddine fills in the space left of Mazraoui if Riad is he's not deemed fit enough to start. Redouane Halhal could also come in as a straight swap.
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