Ounahi’s brace seals Morocco’s place, but Saibari injury casts shadow

In the suffocating heat of Houston’s NRG Stadium, Morocco’s players exhaled as Azzedine Ounahi’s thunderous strikes broke Canadian resistance. The Atlas Lions booked their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory on Saturday night, but the celebrations were tempered by the sight of Ismael Saibari leaving the field on a stretcher after just 20 minutes. Azzedine Ounahi struck twice in a seven-minute spell after the break to secure Morocco’s progression, while Soufiane Rahimi added a late third. The win means Canada becomes the first host nation to be eliminated from the tournament. Morocco’s quarter-final awaits against France in Boston on Tuesday, following a potential clash with Paraguay in Philadelphia on Sunday. The first half was a fractious affair, with 21 fouls and six yellow cards—four for Morocco and two for Canada—amid simmering tensions. Captain Achraf Hakimi clashed with Canadian left-back Richie Laryea, forcing referee Michael Oliver into constant intervention. The officiating became a talking point when Oliver brandished a fourth yellow to Cyle Larin for a challenge on Yassine Bounou, widely seen as harsh. Ismael Saibari’s premature exit is a major concern for Morocco. The PSV forward, who had already scored three goals at this World Cup, suffered a hamstring injury and is now a doubt for the quarter-final. Saibari completed a €50-55 million transfer from PSV to Bayern Munich last week, adding urgency to his availability. Ounahi, 26, has been the standout performer for Morocco at this tournament. His first goal came from a Hakimi free-kick, expertly played to the edge of the box, where Ounahi fired past Milan Borjan. The second arrived after Brahim Díaz nearly missed a counter, only for the ball to fall to Ounahi, who clinically finished.

For Morocco, no alternative left against Canada in Houston

Canada pushed hard in the second half, with Cyle Larin—formerly of Feyenoord—coming closest when he rounded Bounou but was denied by the goalkeeper’s recovery. Larin’s frustration boiled over when he was booked for a second time, his yellow card making the foul count 8-4 in Morocco’s favour. Morocco’s route to the last eight has been built on resilience. Their 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat to France, remembered for Sofyan Amrabat’s sprint to deny Kylian Mbappé, remains a reference point. This time, they face a fresh challenge against a French side managed by Didier Deschamps, who must first navigate Paraguay in Philadelphia. The late substitution of Sofyan Amrabat for Ayyoub Bouaddi introduced fresh legs, while Chemsdine Talbi entered the fray for Morocco. The 21-year-old Sunderland player, born in Belgian Sambreville and developed at Club Brugge, provided a key assist in Monday’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Morocco's hopes wobble as Saibari exits injured in World Cup clash

Canada’s Jesse Marsch will reflect on a tournament that began with high hopes. His side’s exit underlines the difficulty of hosting the World Cup, with Mexico and the United States also facing early eliminations. The hosts’ struggles contrast with Morocco’s disciplined progression. For Morocco, the focus now shifts to Tuesday’s quarter-final. Ounahi’s form suggests he can carry the team forward, but the absence of Saibari—if confirmed—would leave a significant void in attack.