Canada’s ready to face favoured Morocco today in World Cup’s Round of 16
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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 sixth-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.”
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.