Morocco gears up for Canada clash in World Cup 2026 round of 16

Morocco's national team will face Canada in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Coach Mohamed Wahbi called the encounter "the most important and difficult match" of the tournament for the Atlas Lions, stressing that the squad is fully focused on the game and that defender Shadi Riad has recovered from a minor injury.

Wahbi highlighted the role of midfielder Ibrahim Diââ, describing him as a “hidden element” who can create organised chaos for the Canadians. He also praised the technical staff’s collaborative decision‑making and noted the improvement of the Canadian side compared with the team Morocco met in 2022.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, born in Montreal, will be the only player on the pitch with a personal link to Canada. Bounou, who chose to represent Morocco despite eligibility for the host nation, has been instrumental in Morocco’s progress, saving decisive penalties against the Netherlands to reach the knockout stage.