Canada vs Morocco Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Round of 16
by The Stats Zone ·
Updated
The first Round of 16 tie at FIFA World Cup 2026 sees one of the tournament co-hosts Canada now take on FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in Houston on Saturday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TBC / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – TBC / USA – FOX One
Canada preview: History makers
Canada won their first ever game at a FIFA World Cup when they beat Qatar by six goals to nil in the group stages, which was also the biggest ever win by a CONCACAF side at a FIFA World Cup. They reached the knockout stages for the first time and now they have won a knockout match for the first time ever with one of the most famous days in Canadian soccer history.
Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch would have been frustrated that Canada finished as runners-up behind Switzerland in Group B, meaning they would have to play their Round of 16 tie against South Africa in Los Angeles, becoming the first co-host or host of a FIFA World Cup to play outside of their country. However, it did present them with the chance to play quite an average South Africa side that sat back and soaked up pressure before Stephen Eustaquio scored an excellent finish from just outside of the box to send Canada through late on.
Morocco preview: Brilliant Moroccans
Three-and-a-half years ago at FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup and the Atlas Lions are going deep again. Mohamed Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui in March and the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025-winning coach has overseen an improvement on already high standards from the North Africans.
Having been the better side against Brazil in a 1-1 draw in their opener, Morocco then defeated both Scotland and Haiti to set up a Round of 32 clash with the Netherlands. Again, the Moroccans were the better of the two sides but they needed a late equaliser to force extra-time before prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout that saw Canada-born goalkeeper Bounou, as was the case against Spain on penalties in the Round of 16 in Qatar, the hero once more.
Canada team news: Davies returned
Having been unfit to play any of the group stages, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies came off the bench against South Africa and he did immediately transform them, providing much more incision and impetus in attack.
It remains a doubt as to whether Jesse Marsch will gamble and throw Davies in from the start, potentially ahead of Liam Millar on the left-wing. Tobi Oluwaseyi pipped Cyle Larin to the eleven against South Africa but the physicality of Larin may well be preferred against Morocco.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Davies; J. David, Larin
Unavailable: Kone (Injured)
Questionable:
Morocco team news: Unlikely to change
In a hard-fought contest against the Dutch, Morocco appeared to come through unscathed in terms of injury concerns or suspension issues and so Mohamed Ouahbi may well stick with the same eleven here.
It is a settled side with game changers and finishers to come in off the bench. The wingers, Bilal El Khannouss and Brahim Diaz, have been reasonable but perhaps below the level they would want to be at, with Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland pushing for a start.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Brahim, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Canada’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Maxime Crepeau ($4.0m) – Goalkeeper
Jonathan David ($7.0m) – Forward
Cyle Larin ($6.2m) – Forward
Matchday 5 captain pick: Jonathan David
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Jonathan David
Free kicks: Alphonso Davies
Corners: Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio
Morocco’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Achraf Hakimi ($6.0m) – Defender
Ismael Saibari ($6.8m) – Midifelder
Brahim Diaz ($6.4m) – Midfielder
Matchday 5 captain pick: Ismael Saibari
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi
Free kicks: Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz
Corners: Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz
Key stats
- Morocco are unbeaten in the four encounters between the sides (W3 D1), most recently winning 2-1 in the group stage at Qatar 2022 – their only competitive meeting.
- The 1-0 triumph over South Africa was Canada’s second win in FIFA World Cup history, and their first victory in the knockout phase of the competition.
- Canada are aiming to be the fifth Concacaf team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in the history of the competition after Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico and the USA.
- Canada have found the net in their last six successive fixtures at the World Cup – their longest goalscoring streak in the competition.
- Morocco have lost only two of their last 12 FIFA World Cup matches (W5 D5).
- For the first time, Morocco have scored in five successive World Cup matches.
- Morocco are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in a row. They would become the first African nation to achieve the feat.
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Canada vs Morocco prediction
Always aware of the cameras and the outside noise, Jesse Marsch will not only be well aware of the magnitude of this game for Canadian soccer but, as was the case in the aftermath of their defeat of South Africa, keen to explain to his players just what this match means.
Morocco found themselves flying through Qatar three-and-a-half years ago on a similar wave of emotion. They are now, though, a much more controlled and serious side - perhaps even better than the one that reached the semis in the previous FIFA World Cup.
Canada will be intense and they will be admirable in their effort and endeavour but there is a gulf in quality here, and siding with the Moroccans to reach the last eight once again is a good bet.
Canada vs Morocco betting tip: Morocco to win
