Morocco's national coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has emphasized that the upcoming World Cup 2026 round of 16 match against Canada is the most crucial and challenging for the Atlas Lions. Speaking at a press conference in Houston, Ouahbi stated that his team must approach the game as the most significant of their tournament, considering the Canadian squad to be stronger than the one they faced in the Qatar World Cup. He acknowledged that Canadian coach Jesse Marsch's pre-match comments might have been an attempt to pressure Morocco, but affirmed his team's focus. Ouahbi described the match as one of the most important in his career, expressing confidence that his team will strive for a historic qualification to the quarterfinals. He noted that Canada has significantly improved since their 2022 World Cup group stage encounter, describing them as more compact and composed in ball distribution. Regarding player availability, Ouahbi confirmed that central defender Chadi Riad, who sustained an injury in the previous match against the Netherlands, has trained normally and is fully available. He did not reveal his starting lineup, stating that only players who "deserve it" and offer the best guarantees will start. Ouahbi also highlighted the team's improving physical condition and praised his technical staff's crucial role in the national team's performance.
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Morocco's Atlas Lions overcame a well-organized Canadian defense to secure a victory in their World Cup match. Azzedine Ounahi scored a double in the 50th and 82nd minutes, with Rahimi adding a third goal in the 98th minute to seal the win. Despite Canada's early offensive pressure, including a one-on-one save by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Morocco managed to break the deadlock after halftime. Coach Ouahbi made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Radouane Halhal for the injured Chadi Riad. An early injury forced another change, with Rahimi replacing Saibari in the 21st minute. Ounahi's first goal came from a low free-kick by Hakimi. After taking the lead, Morocco controlled the pace, and further substitutions saw Chamsdine Talbi and Sofyan Amrabat enter the game. As Canada pushed for an equalizer, more spaces opened up, allowing Ounahi to score his second goal from a play initiated by Brahim Diaz. Rahimi nearly scored earlier, hitting the crossbar, before ultimately netting Morocco's third goal. Morocco will now face the winner of the match between France and Paraguay in the quarterfinals.
Must ReadOuahbi has announced Morocco's starting lineup for their 2026 World Cup match against Canada. The team will feature Yassine Bounou as goalkeeper, with Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Issa Diop, Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, and Rayan Halhal as field players. Substitutes include Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Marouane Saadane, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Youssef Belammari, Anass Salah-Eddine, Sofyan Amrabat, Chemsdine Talbi, Samir El Mourabet, Gessime Yassine, Soufiane Rahimi, Amine Sbai, Ayoub El Kaabi, Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab, and Chadi Riad. The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals to face the victor of the Paraguay versus France round of 16 game, scheduled for this Saturday.

Cordoba CF has secured the services of 22-year-old Moroccan forward Salim El Jebari for two seasons. El Jebari, a product of Atl茅tico de Madrid's academy, made his La Liga debut with Atl茅tico's first team in the 2023-2024 season at age 19. He then played for the reserve team, scoring four goals in 32 matches in the Spanish third division. Following a loan spell at FC Cartagena in the latter half of the 2024-2025 season, El Jebari played for CD Mirand茅s last season, appearing in 35 matches and scoring one goal in La Liga 2. Cordoba CF stated that El Jebari's arrival is part of their offensive reinforcement strategy for the new season, banking on his speed, technical skills, and potential for growth.