/https%3A%2F%2Fplays-central.com%2Fbetting%2Fapp%2Fthemes%2Fst-child%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Ftntsports.svg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-eurosport.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fbetting%2F2026%2F07%2FCanada-vs-Morocco-TNT-Sports-UK.png)
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Saturday 4 July 2026, 18:00 BST
Canada face Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday 4 July (18:00 BST). The co-hosts, who have produced the finest run in their footballing history at this tournament, take on the 2022 semi-finalists who eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the previous round. Find out more about the best World Cup betting sites for the latest odds on this last-16 clash.
Canada have never beaten Morocco in four previous meetings. The Atlas Lions, ranked seventh in the FIFA standings, boast one of the most resolute defences in the competition, having conceded just four goals in four matches. Read on for our full football betting analysis and tips for this knockout tie.
Preview: Canada vs Morocco
Canada achieved the unthinkable at this World Cup by recording the first victory in the nation’s history at the finals, a remarkable 6-0 demolition of Qatar powered by a Jonathan David hat-trick.
Runners-up in Group B behind Switzerland, the Canadians then knocked out South Africa in the round of 32 thanks to a spectacular Stephen Eustaquio volley in the 92nd minute to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Despite those moments of brilliance, Canada have shown clear limitations against well-organised defences, scoring just one goal apiece against Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), Switzerland (2-1 defeat) and South Africa (1-0).
Jesse Marsch, who has been in charge since 2024, has built a side founded on rapid transitions and aggressive pressing, with Jonathan David operating as the primary attacking outlet.
The return of captain Alphonso Davies remains the most significant factor for Canada heading into this tie, although doubts persist over his fitness following a hamstring injury sustained during the tournament.
Morocco continue an extraordinary trajectory that began with their historic semi-final run in Qatar in 2022, further enhanced by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.
In the group stage, the Atlas Lions drew with Brazil (1-1), beat Scotland (1-0 with the fastest goal of the tournament from Ismael Saibari after just 69 seconds) and overcame Haiti 4-2.
In the round of 32, Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in dramatic fashion, with Issa Diop heading home a stoppage-time equaliser before a penalty shootout victory (3-2) in which Yassine Bounou proved decisive between the posts.
Mohamed Ouahbi, promoted in March 2026 having led Morocco’s under-20 side to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title in 2025, has introduced a more progressive attacking style while preserving the defensive solidity inherited from the Regragui era.
Ismael Saibari has been the standout performer for Morocco at this tournament, netting three goals in the group stage and converting the decisive penalty against the Netherlands to cap an outstanding season at PSV (15 goals and eight assists in the 2025-26 Eredivisie).
This encounter pits two distinct tactical philosophies against each other, with Canada’s aggressive pressing set to be tested by Morocco’s composed and experienced approach to knockout football.
Team news and predicted XIs: Canada vs Morocco
Canada
Ismael Kone is the most significant absence for Canada, having suffered a broken tibia during the group stage match against Qatar, representing a considerable loss in the middle of the park.
The return of captain Alphonso Davies is the central selection question. Davies came off the bench against South Africa and could make his first start of the tournament, potentially in a more advanced role to allow Richie Laryea to retain the left-back position.
Jonathan David, the leading scorer for Canada at this World Cup with three goals including a hat-trick against Qatar, will spearhead the attack alongside Tani Oluwaseyi.
Moise Bombito regained his starting place at centre-back against South Africa and should continue alongside Derek Cornelius to deal with the Moroccan attacking threat.
Morocco
The primary concern for Morocco centres on Chadi Riad, who left the pitch during the Netherlands match after sustaining a knock, with his availability yet to be confirmed.
Should Riad not be fit, Noussair Mazraoui could drop into central defence alongside Issa Diop, with Anass Salah-Eddine taking the left-back berth.
Ismael Saibari, who scored three group stage goals and converted the winning penalty against the Netherlands, will lead the line in a false nine role, supported by Brahim Diaz operating as the number 10.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder, reclaimed his starting place during the knockout phase and should partner Neil El Aynaoui in the double pivot.
Predicted XIs: Canada vs Morocco
Canada predicted XI (4-4-2): M Crepeau; A Johnston, M Bombito, D Cornelius, R Laryea; T Buchanan, S Eustaquio, N Saliba, L Millar; J David, T Oluwaseyi.
Morocco predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bounou; A Hakimi, I Diop, C Riad, N Mazraoui; N El Aynaoui, A Bouaddi; Brahim Diaz, A Ounahi, B El Khannouss; I Saibari.
Head to head: Canada vs Morocco
Canada have never beaten Morocco in four previous encounters, recording three defeats and a single draw, the latter coming in Montreal in 1994 (1-1).
The first meeting dates back to October 1984, a friendly won 3-2 by Morocco. In 2016, the Atlas Lions recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory in another friendly fixture.
The only World Cup meeting between the sides took place in December 2022 in Qatar, a 2-1 Morocco victory with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri, while Canada pulled one back through a Nayef Aguerd own goal.
The record firmly favours Morocco, but Canada arrive in vastly different circumstances to 2022, with a generation regarded as the most talented in the country’s history and the backing of co-host status.
Tips and prediction: Canada vs Morocco
- Morocco have conceded just four goals in four matches at the 2026 World Cup, including a clean sheet against Scotland
- Canada have scored only one goal per game against Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-1), Switzerland (2-1) and South Africa (1-0)
- Ismael Saibari has netted three group stage goals and converted the decisive penalty against the Netherlands
- Canada have never beaten Morocco in four meetings (0W, 1D, 3L)
Adam is a freelance sports journalist with a decade of experience in the industry. Football is his passion, although he also follows darts and many other sports.
Adam supports Arsenal and local club Wealdstone, made famous by the Wealdstone Raider, who he has interviewed. Adam also follows the women's teams and the England national side.