Canada are gearing up for the biggest game of their lives when they take on Morocco in the first round of 16 clash at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday evening in Texas.
The co-hosts were fortunate enough to get a 92nd minute winner in their first ever knockout clash in a World Cup. Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio scored the important goal to knock South Africa out of the tournament.
This is only Canada’s third shot at the World Cup, making back-to-back appearances from the 2022 edition where they did not make it past the group stage. Their previous appearance was in 1986.
They have an uphill task to climb against a Morocco side who became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semis in 2022. The Atlas Lions are also still unbeaten in this summers edition.
Morocco caused a major upset by knocking out the Netherlands in the round of 32 to set up this clash. Following a 1-1 draw after extra-time, Ismail Saibari scored the winning penalty in a narrow 3-2 victory.
Canada have won two of their last three matches in Houston, but will need to be at their absolute best defensively if they are to keep out Morocco here.
Morocco have progressed from six of their last eight knockout ties at major tournaments and come into the match as hot favorites to book a place in the quarterfinals.
Will the African giants continue their impressive run in the tournament to beat the co-hosts, or can Canada make full use of their home advantage to make history here? Here is our predicted outcome for the potentially mouthwatering clash.
What time does Canada vs Morocco start?
The match kicks off at 8PM E.A.T at the NRG Stadium
Canada vs Morocco team news
Captain Alphonso Davies came off the bench for his first appearance in the tournament after a minor hamstring injury kept him out of the group stage. He is one of the changes expected to be made to the starting XI here.
Goalscorer Eustaquio will retain his spot in the lineup in midfield, alongside Nathan Saliba, with Tajon Buchanan providing attacking options on the right flank.
Forwards Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi and veteran Jonathan David will continue their partnership up front, with the latter looking to add to his tally after scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 win against Qatar.
The rest of the side will remain unchanged from the XI that started against Netherlands.
As for Morocco, they are not expected to make any changes to an XI that seems to be working perfectly with their style of play. Saibari, who was revealed as a Bayern Munich player this week, will continue to inspire the attack. The forward has scored in every game he has played in the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Achraf Hakimi has had three goal involvements this far and will lead his nation out once again, as well as Azzedine Ounahi and Brahim Diaz.
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Canada vs Morocco head-to-head and current form
The Canadians have lost just one of their last five matches – winning twice in that run. Following the morale boosting win against South Africa, they are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time this year.
Morocco on the other hand have not lost in nine matches, since the Africa Cup of Nations defeat to Senegal. They are seeking a fourth consecutive win here.
The Atlas Lions have beaten Canada on both of the two previous meetings between the nations.
Current form:
Canada – WLWDD
Morocco – WWWDD
Canada vs Morocco previous games
- Canada 1-2 Morocco (December 1, 2022)
- Morocco 4-0 Canada (October 11, 2016)
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Canada vs Morocco prediction
The co-hosts have impressed so far other than the frustrating outing against South Africa. They had to wait for a very late goal to decide that and now they’re up against a defensive Moroccan outfit.
The Atlas Lions record at the World Cup has been on an upward trend and they are favorites to progress to the next round here. However, they must expect a fight from Canada.
Prediction – Morocco to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!