Morocco have done it again. The Atlas Lions are in the World Cup quarter-finals — and they did it in style.
On July 4, Morocco dismantled co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston, Texas, becoming the first team to reach the last eight at the 2026 World Cup. For Africa, it is a moment of immense pride. For Morocco, it is proof that what they achieved in 2022 was no fluke.
Here at GameDay, we break down the full match, Hakimi’s stunning performance, and what this result means for African football.
The first half was tough. Canada, backed by a loud home crowd, made the brighter start. Tani Oluwaseyi broke clean through on goal — but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an outstanding save to keep the scores level. Alistair Johnston also came close with a header that was blocked by the Moroccan defence.
Morocco, however, were patient. They absorbed the pressure and waited for their moment. That moment came five minutes after half-time.
Achraf Hakimi stepped up for a free-kick on the left. His delivery was perfectly weighted, finding Azzedine Ounahi unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. Ounahi kept his composure and swept the ball into the bottom corner. Morocco were ahead.
As a result, Canada pushed harder for an equaliser. Jonathan David fired a free-kick over the crossbar. Substitute Tajon Buchanan forced another excellent save from Bounou. However, the more Canada committed forward, the more space they left behind.
Morocco punished them ruthlessly. Brahim Diaz raced down the right flank and cut the ball back for Ounahi, who powered home his second goal of the night. Then Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring with virtually the final kick of the match.
Final score: Morocco 3-0 Canada.
Achraf Hakimi was the difference-maker. His assist for the opening goal was a masterclass in intelligent free-kick delivery — the kind of moment that only the very best players in the world can produce.
That assist was his third of the tournament. In doing so, he became just the fourth defender since 1966 to register three or more assists at a World Cup — alongside Daley Blind, Denzel Dumfries, and the legendary Cafu.
After the match, Hakimi posted on X: “The strength of a team. The strength of a nation. Back in the QFs. DIMA MAGHRIB!”
That message said everything. For a player of Hakimi’s quality — widely regarded as the best right-back in the world — this World Cup is not just about personal achievement. It is about carrying an entire nation on his back. And so far, he is doing it brilliantly.
This result was no surprise to anyone who has followed Morocco closely. Their win over Canada extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches. Moreover, it was their seventh win in their last nine knockout matches across major international tournaments.
That is a record that any nation in world football would be proud of. In addition, it continues the journey that began at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African nation in history to reach a World Cup semi-final.
At that tournament, they beat Spain, Portugal, and Belgium along the way. Now, in 2026, they are back in the quarter-finals — and they look capable of going even further.
Morocco’s run is the biggest story in African football right now. However, it is not the only one.
Across the continent, fans are watching this World Cup with a pride that has been building for years. Africa now has nine spots at the tournament for the first time ever. Morocco have shown that African teams can not only compete at this level — they can dominate.
For Zimbabwean fans and supporters across sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco’s journey carries a special meaning. They are proving that the gap between African football and the traditional European and South American powers is closing fast. That matters for every young player on the continent who dreams of reaching this stage one day.
Furthermore, you can check out our in-depth profile of Hakimi and the other top African players at this World Cup in our Top 10 African Players to Watch in 2026 feature.
Morocco’s quarter-final opponent will be confirmed once the remaining Round of 16 ties are completed. Given their form, however, no team will want to face them.
Their defensive organisation, under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, has been excellent throughout the tournament. Bounou in goal has been one of the best keepers in the competition. Hakimi and Diaz provide constant attacking threat. And Ounahi, with two goals in one match against Canada, has announced himself as one of the tournament’s breakout performers.
According to FIFA’s official World Cup hub, Morocco are now one of just eight teams remaining. The dream of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup final is very much alive.
Morocco are the best African team at any World Cup in history. What they are doing in 2026 builds on the magic of 2022 and takes it even further. Hakimi is playing the football of his life. The Atlas Lions are not here to make up the numbers.
They are here to win.
Can Morocco go all the way? Drop your prediction in the comments below.
Follow every moment of Morocco’s World Cup journey here at pitchmag.online. Check our VAR in Football article for the latest debates from the tournament.
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