Unbeaten in 34 matches: Morocco on another fairytale run
NEW YORK: Morocco’s remarkable FIFA World Cup journey continued with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16, proving once again that title contenders do not always need to win with flair.
The Atlas Lions produced one of the most clinical displays of the tournament in Houston, scoring three goals despite managing just five shots—the fewest by a winning team in a World Cup knockout match on record. Their disciplined, hard-working approach underlined a simple truth: great teams know how to win even when they are not at their best.
The result extended Morocco’s unbeaten run to 34 matches across all competitions, a streak that includes the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, a result that was later awarded to Morocco and remains under legal challenge. Their last defeat came in August 2025, when they lost 1-0 to Kenya in the African Nations Championship.
Canada started brightly, with goalkeeper Bono producing important saves to deny Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. Morocco also struggled to threaten early, failing to register a touch inside the Canadian penalty area during the opening 15 minutes for the second consecutive match.
Morocco’s blend of defensive discipline, composure under pressure and winning mentality has made them one of the standout teams of the tournament—and a genuine contender to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
