Players of Canada celebrate after Stephen Eustaquio scored the opening goal during a World Cup round of 32 soccer match between South Africa and Canada in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

By The Canadian Press

Canada’s ready to face favoured Morocco today in World Cup’s Round of 16

Jul 4, 2026 | 2:00 AM

HOUSTON — On paper, today’s Canada versus Morocco Round of 16 showdown at the FIFA World Cup is a mismatch, a minnow versus a shark, or soccer’s version of David and Goliath.

Morocco, the seventh-ranked team in the world that made it to the tournament’s final four in 2022, is heavily favoured to eliminate the Canadian overachievers, who have recorded a number of impressive firsts at this World Cup — first goal, first win, first appearance in a knockout game, and first appearance in the Round of 16.

But while Canada has already eliminated one African nation — 1-0 knockout stage victory over South Africa last Sunday in Los Angeles — another one stands in the way of an appearance in the quarterfinals.

Canadian coach Jesse Marsch said his young team is excited and looking forward to playing a “big” opponent today (kick off at 1 p.m. ET). And the players are promising to leave it all on the field in trying to pull off one of the biggest upsets yet.

One national media outlet wrote Thursday: “Outmatched all over the field, Canada needs a miracle to beat Morocco.”

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Paraguay upset Germany in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32. Cape Verde, the smallest nation to ever reach the knockout stage, took defending champion Argentina to extra time yesterday before eventually losing 3-2. In group stage play, New Zealand rallied to tie Iran 2-2, and Qatar held Switzerland to a 1-1 draw.

“We know that everybody’s going to write us off,” said Marsch. “But … we are focused on trying to really be our best for this match and deliver the best performance of our lives.”

The Canadian crew also pointed out that Morocco used a lot of energy in getting past the Netherlands on Monday, winning 3-2 on penalties after playing 30 minutes of extra time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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Canada’s ready to face favoured Morocco today in World Cup’s Round of 16

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