A place in the World Cup quarterfinals will be on the line when Canada and Morocco meet at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday.
Canada has already made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time and claiming its first World Cup win, while Morocco continue to build on their impressive 2022 campaign after knocking out the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
Jesse Marsch’s side beat South Africa 1-0 in the previous round thanks to Stephen Eustaquio’s stunning 92nd minute strike.
Jonathan David remains their main attacking threat, while Alphonso Davies’ return from injury provided a major boost at a crucial stage of the competition.
Morocco, meanwhile, continued their unbeaten campaign in the group stage by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties after a tense match.
The Atlas Lions have already become the first African nation to win the knockout stages of two separate World Cup tournaments, and are determined to continue their semi-final streak in the 2022 tournament.
The two countries met in the Qatar 2022 group stage, with Morocco winning 2-1. Canada is still searching for its first win against the Atlas Lions, having failed to win any of its four senior men’s meetings.
Canada vs Morocco team news
Canada got a big boost as Alphonso Davies returned from injury to replace South Africa.
While Davies may push for a starting role, Richie Laryea is expected to retain his place at left back. Jesse Marsch also faces decisions in attack, with Cyle Larin, Promise David and Tani Oluwaseyi all competing with Jonathan David.
Stephen Eustaquio is sure to start after scoring the winner last round, while Tajon Buchanan will continue to provide attacking depth.
Morocco is expected to have a full squad available.
Defender Chadi Riad has made a quick recovery after being forced off against the Netherlands and should be partnered by Issa Diop in defence.
Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remain key figures at the back, while Ismael Saibari, Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss provide intelligence in advanced areas.
Expected matches of Canada vs Morocco
Canada starting XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Schaffelburg; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi
Morocco starting XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Let’s go
Where to watch Canada vs Morocco: TV channel, live streaming online
The match will take place on Saturday, July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, at 18:00 BST.
In the UK, the game will be broadcast on ITV1, and you can stream the game online via ITVX or Sky Go.
Statistics Canada vs Morocco
- Canada is making its first appearance in the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time in its history
- Canada has scored in six consecutive games in all competitions
- Jesse Marsch’s team recorded 100 pressures in the first half of the final against South Africa, which is the highest number in a World Cup match since data collection began in 2010.
- Canada has kept two clean sheets in their last three World Cup games
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions
- The Atlas Lions have advanced to the group stage of the World Cup for the first time
- Morocco completed 801 passes against the Netherlands in the previous round, becoming only the second team behind Spain to complete 800 passes in a World Cup match since modern data tracking began.
- Morocco has conceded only two goals in four matches at the 2026 World Cup
- Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 when the two teams met at the 2022 World Cup
- The Atlas Lions are undefeated in Canada in senior men’s international soccer
Canada vs Morocco Prediction
Canada has been one of the stories of the tournament and has enough power and attacking quality to trouble Morocco.
However, the Atlas Lions appear to be a complete team. Their skill level in midfield and experience in playoff football should give them an edge in what could be a close match.
Prediction: Canada 1-2 Morocco
