Co-hosts Canada and Morocco will meet in Houston for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after both sides came through dramatic round of 32 ties.
Canada are enjoying the best World Cup run in their history, thanks to some late dramatics in their round of 32 tie.
Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute to earn Jesse Marsch’s side a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 for the first time.
Morocco’s route was even more dramatic. The Atlas Lions looked to be heading out against the Netherlands before a late equaliser forced extra time. They then held their nerve to win the penalty shootout.
Canada have already exceeded expectations on home soil, while Morocco continue to build on the momentum that has made them one of the most consistent international sides in recent tournaments.
With a place in the quarter-finals, where a tie with either Paraguay or France awaits, both teams will be looking to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
How to watch Canada vs Morocco
Canada vs Morocco kicks off at 18:00 GMT on Saturday, July 4 at the Houston Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with streaming also available via ITVX.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
Canada team news
The biggest talking point for Canada is whether Alphonso Davies is ready to start.
The Bayern Munich star made his long-awaited return from injury against South Africa, coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes and making an immediate impact.
Jesse Marsch has confirmed Davies is fit enough to start if needed, but after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Canada boss may be reluctant to throw him in from the start.
Aside from Ismaël Koné, who broke his leg, Canada have a fully fit squad to choose from. That gives Marsch a selection headache rather than an injury crisis as he weighs up whether to stick with the side that beat South Africa.
Jonathan David is certain to lead the attack after another impressive tournament. Stephen Eustáquio will once again be tasked with controlling the midfield following his dramatic winner in the last round.
Richie Laryea, Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito and Alistair Johnston have formed a settled back four throughout the tournament and are expected to keep their places as Canada look to frustrate Morocco’s dangerous attack.
Expected XI:
(4-4-2) Crépeau – Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea – Buchanan, Saliba, Eustáquio, Millar – David, Oluwaseyi.
Morocco team news
Morocco were pushed all the way by the Netherlands in the round of 32, eventually progressing on penalties after 120 exhausting minutes. Despite the extra workload, Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to make very few changes.
The main concern is Chadi Riad, who was forced off with a knock in the previous round. However, the Crystal Palace defender has returned to training and is expected to be available, which would be a major boost given Nayef Aguerd remains unavailable.
Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui continue to provide Morocco’s biggest attacking threat from the full-back positions.
Azzedine Ounahi and Brahim Díaz are the creative sparks behind Ismael Saibari. The forward has already scored three goals at this World Cup.
If Morocco are to reach another World Cup quarter-final, their experienced defence and technically gifted will be key.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Bono – Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui – El Aynaoui, Bouaddi – Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Saibari.
Canada vs Morocco stats
- Canada are through to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history.
- Stephen Eustáquio’s 92nd-minute winner against South Africa secured Canada’s first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match.
- Canada have kept three clean sheets in their four matches at the 2026 World Cup.
- Jonathan David has been directly involved in three goals during Canada’s World Cup campaign.
- Morocco have reached the knockout stages at consecutive World Cups for the first time in their history.
- Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after drawing 1-1 following extra time in the Round of 32.
- Morocco have conceded just two goals in four matches at the 2026 World Cup.
- Ismael Saibari has scored three goals at the tournament, making him Morocco’s leading scorer heading into the Round of 16.
Canada vs Morocco prediction
Co-hosts Canada have been one of the stories of the tournament so far. As co-hosts, they have embraced the occasion and continue to find ways to win.
Their victory over South Africa summed up this team perfectly. They stayed patient, defended well and eventually found the breakthrough.
Morocco have taken a different route to get here, but they have been just as impressive. Knocking out the Netherlands on penalties will only add to the belief within the squad.
They have already shown they are difficult to break down but also possess quality in the final third to do damage.
I expect Morocco to enjoy more possession, but Canada have already proved they can frustrate their opponents. If they keep the game level for long enough, there will be chances on the counter.
If Alphonso Davies comes on late with the game level, his pace against tired legs – that just played 120 minutes in the last round – could be the difference.
For the result, Morocco’s experience in knockout football just gives them the edge in my opinion. They are a step up from what Canada have already faced and it might be a step too far.
Morocco to qualify is my pick here.
I’d also back under 2.5 goals for this one. If Morocco are to qualify, I don’t think they will blow Canada away. I expect this to be a tight game where Morocco’s quality takes control in the end.
For those of you in the goalscorer and scoreline markets, I’d go 2-0 Morocco with Ismael Saibari to score anytime.
