Co-hosts Canada have already scripted history by reaching the knockout stages on home soil at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but an even bigger challenge awaits against 2022 semifinalists Morocco as they face off in the first round of 16 fixture on Saturday in Houston.
Led by Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions have once again shown their ability to trouble the world’s elite as they knocked out the Netherlands in the round of 32 and also held on to their nerves to a 1-1 draw against the five-time champions, Brazil, in the group stage.
Hakimi and his crew will be aiming for another deep run, while Canada will look to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance. The Canadians will be a tough nut to crack, simply because of their never-say-die attitude as they scored against South Africa in added time to clinch a win that looked destined for extra-time.
Canada vs Morocco: Team news
Canada: The biggest boost for Canada is the availability of Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich star came off the bench to make his first start against South Africa on the round of 32 in the last 15 minutes. It remains to be seen whether Davies starts against Morocco. However, Canada will be without Ismael Kone, who broke his leg.
Morocco: For the Atlas Lions, defender Chadi Riad is likely to be available for Morocco, after going off injured against the Netherlands.
Canada vs Morocco head-to-head
Canada have never beaten Morocco in international football in their four appearances so far. Their first appearance came in 1984 when Morocco won 3-2. In the FIFA World Cup, Canada and Morocco have faced each other only once in 2022 edition, with the African nation winning 2-1.
Canada vs Morocco Prediction
Morocco are the clear-cut favourites to win the game inside 90 minutes. According to Opta supercomputer’s 25,000 pre-match simulations, Morocco are destined to win 51.8% and have 67.0% chance of progressing to the quarterfinals via any method (penalties or straightaway win).
Canada have been favoured 21.7% for a win while the chances for a draw inside the regulation time is 26.5%.
Canada vs Morocco probable starting line-ups
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Millar; Oluwaseyi, David
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Mourabet; Diaz, Ounahi, Talbi; Saibari
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