The first last 16 tie to take place at the 2026 World Cup sees co-hosts Canada meet Morocco, with the potential of setting up a quarter-final clash with free-flowing France.
Morocco made the semi-final of the World Cup in Qatar four years ago and they will be keen to show that performance was no flash in the pan.
The Atlas Lions picked up seven points in Group C, drawing with Brazil before wins over Scotland and Haiti, while they defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the round of 32.
Canada also finished runners-up in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia-Herzegovina before easing past Qatar 6-0 and losing 2-1 to Switzerland.
The Canucks netted an injury-time goal to see off South Africa 1-0 in the first knockout fixture, with Stephen Eustaquio saving the day, and reaching the last 16 is already their best ever performance at a World Cup.
Canada vs. Morocco betting picks and predictions
Morocco to win (-133)
Morocco required penalties to overcome the Dutch in the round of 32, but the Africans were the better team in the match and that stretched their unbeaten run to 33 games.
Semi-finalists four years ago in Qatar, the Atlas Lions continue to progress and they had 70 per cent possession against the Dutch and limited them to only two shots on target.
Mohamed Ouahbi's side may have won without the need of spotkicks had it not been for some goalkeeping heroics from Bart Verbruggen, who made five saves, and it was further evidence that they can now compete with the most powerful nations.
In their opening game, Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil and they may have felt that they deserved after having 12 shots in the first half and they built on that by beating Scotland 1-0 and outclassing Haiti 4-2.
Up-and-coming talents Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari are well-complemented by the high-class talent of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz and they possess match-winners all over the pitch.
Co-hosts Canada should have plenty of support despite playing in Houston, but they needed a stoppage-time goal to see off South Africa in the round of 32 and they qualified from a soft group.
Jesse Marsch's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Group B curtain-raiser, while the 6-0 rout of Qatar was helped by their lower-ranked opponents receiving two red cards.
Canada endured a 2-1 loss to Switzerland on home soil in Vancouver to deny them top spot and, while they have some dangerous players, Morocco are a well-oiled machine and should have too much tactical nous.
The Atlas Lions beat the Canucks 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup before going on to reach the last four and Morocco can do it again in Houston.
Ismael Saibari to score at any time (+175)
Ismael Saibari has just secured a high-profile move to Bayern Munich with his performances at this World Cup giving the German champions the push they needed to get the transfer over the line.
Saibari scored 19 goals in 32 appearances for Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven this season, with three of that tally coming in seven UEFA Champions League starts and his confidence has been clear to see for his country at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old is the main man in the Atlas Lions' attack and, helped by some excellent service, he has netted three times in four tournament appearances.
Having had 10 shots across those four outings, plenty of chances should fall his way against the Canadians.
Achraf Hakimi to have over 2.5 shots (+138)
Achraf Hakimi is the standout performer for Morocco, having lifted the UEFA Champions League in consecutive campaigns for Paris Saint-Germain, meaning it is easy to see why he is considered one of the best wing-backs in the world.
Hakimi is excellent defensively but he loves to get forward and play more than a supporting role.
Morocco's marauding right-back has had 13 shots in four World Cup appearances, with his shot tallies in each match reading three, two, five and three.
In 11 UEFA Champions League appearances for PSG last season Hakimi had 15 shots, while he had 27 shots in 18 appearances in Ligue 1.
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Canada vs. Morocco odds
Canada | +400 |
Tie | +250 |
Morocco | -133 |
Canada vs. Morocco player props
Anytime goalscorer
Ismael Saibari (Morocco) | +175 |
Brahim Diaz (Morocco) | +240 |
Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco) | +400 |
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) | +375 |
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) | +500 |
Jonathan David (Canada) | +375 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
