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World Cup last 16 preview: Canada Vs Morocco team news and key stats
04th July, 2026 12:27 PM
Canada will look to continue their historic FIFA World Cup campaign when they take on Morocco in the round of 16 at Houston Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The North Americans enter the knockout clash after edging South Africa 1-0, while Morocco booked their place in the last 16 by defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Match preview
Canada reached new heights by securing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout fixture. Jesse Marsch’s side had to wait until stoppage time to break South African resistance, with Stephen Eustaquio producing the decisive strike after the Canadians had dominated much of the encounter.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and South Africa’s resilient defence frustrated Canada for long periods, but Eustaquio finally found the breakthrough in the 92nd minute, sending Canadian supporters into celebration.
The result added another milestone to Canada’s remarkable tournament after they had already reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Canada’s relentless pressing was one of the defining features of their victory, recording 100 pressures in the attacking third during the opening half alone, the highest figure by any team at a World Cup since such statistics began being tracked in 2010. The team has also scored in each of its last six matches.
However, history does not favour the Canadians against Morocco. In four previous senior international meetings, Canada has managed just one draw while suffering three defeats. Their most recent World Cup meeting came in Qatar in 2022, when Morocco claimed a 2-1 victory.
Morocco, meanwhile, continue to build on the success of their memorable 2022 campaign, where they became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, appointed earlier this year, the Atlas Lions have shifted towards a possession-oriented style built around a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Their round-of-32 clash with the Netherlands showcased both resilience and composure. Although they needed penalties to progress after a goalless 120 minutes, Morocco controlled possession for long spells and completed an impressive 801 passes during the match, a figure surpassed only by Spain in World Cup history since detailed records began.
The Atlas Lions are also enjoying a strong run of form, remaining unbeaten in nine matches since their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal in 2025.
Victory over Canada would send Morocco into a quarter-final meeting with either France or Paraguay, keeping alive hopes of another deep World Cup run.
Team news
Canada received a significant boost with Alphonso Davies making his long-awaited return from injury against South Africa. The Bayern Munich defender featured for the final 15 minutes, marking his first appearance for the national team since March 2025.
Although Davies is available, Richie Laryea remains the favourite to retain his place at left-back after consistently featuring throughout the tournament.
Apart from the long-term absence of Ismael Kone, Canada have no major injury concerns. Coach Jesse Marsch must still make important attacking decisions, particularly over who starts on the left wing between Jacob Shaffelburg and Liam Millar, while Promise David, Cyle Larin and Tani Oluwaseyi are all competing for the opportunity to partner Jonathan David in attack.
Morocco were briefly concerned after central defender Chadi Riad was forced off during the victory over the Netherlands. However, the Crystal Palace defender has resumed full training and is expected to be fit for the Canada clash.
Should Riad fail to recover in time, Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saadane are ready to step in. Otherwise, Mohamed Ouahbi has a fully available squad, including midfielder Ismael Saibari, who recently completed a move to Bayern Munich.
Probable lineups
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi.
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
