Morocco Advances to Quarter-Finals with Dominant Win
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz set a new record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the Atlas Lions' impressive 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16. The win made Morocco the first African nation to qualify for the quarter-finals of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Azzedine Ounahi was the star of the match, scoring twice in the second half to put the game beyond the co-hosts. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal deep into stoppage time to seal a memorable victory for Walid Regragui's side.
Diaz Becomes Africa's All-Time Leading Assist Provider
According to Opta, Brahim Diaz has registered four assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most by any African player in a single edition and the highest overall by an African in World Cup history. The Real Madrid star began the tournament by creating goals against Brazil and Scotland in the group stage before providing two assists in the Round of 16 victory over Canada.
Diaz first set up Azzedine Ounahi for his second goal in the 82nd minute before laying on another assist for Soufiane Rahimi in the 90+8th minute to complete the scoring.
Match Highlights: Canada vs. Morocco
Canada dominated possession during the opening half but failed to convert their chances against Morocco's disciplined defence. The breakthrough came five minutes after the restart when Azzedine Ounahi latched onto a well-worked free-kick routine from Achraf Hakimi before firing a right-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.
Ounahi doubled Morocco's advantage in the 82nd minute after finishing a swift counterattack. The Girona midfielder was played through by Brahim Diaz before calmly slotting home his second goal of the match, per SkySports.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, finding the net in the 90+8th minute to wrap up a memorable victory for Walid Regragui's side.
What's Next for Morocco?
Morocco will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France in the quarter-finals in Boston on Thursday, per Al Jazeera. The Atlas Lions are making their second consecutive appearance at the tournament after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, where they became the first African side to achieve that feat.
Social Media Reactions
Fans took to social media to celebrate Morocco's achievement. @Milas_0 said: "Records are being set in this world cup by Africans, Mohammed Hany has got one goal before he sets a new record." @hishomegirl_ wrote: "Morocco was just in a completely different tier tonight. 3-0 full-time win over Canada. Ounahi completely controlled the pitch, and the defense was airtight. This team is fully capable of repeating or beating their 2022 run. Watch out! CAN WE DO IT THIS TIME?"
Diaz Breaks Silence After Penalty Miss
Legit.ng earlier reported that Brahim Diaz has finally spoken out after his missed penalty proved costly in Morocco’s heartbreaking defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Atlas Lions were bidding to end a near-50-year wait for a second AFCON title, but their dream collapsed in dramatic fashion on Sunday, January 18, in Rabat.
