Canada Aims for Upset Against Morocco in World Cup Knockout Round
WHO:
The New York Times - Canada men's national soccer team, Morocco national soccer team, head coach Jesse Marsch, Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi, midfielder Ismael Kone, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, players Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan David, Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari.
WHAT:
The New York Times - Canada will face Morocco at Houston Stadium for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
The New York Times - Morocco is the reigning 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion, having won in controversial circumstances.
The New York Times - Morocco defeated Spain and Portugal to reach the semi-finals of the last World Cup, becoming the first African team to achieve this feat.
The New York Times - Morocco has made 144 offers to receive a pass in behind during the tournament, which is 49 more than the second-place player, Kai Havertz.
The New York Times - Morocco prefers to attack down the right side of the opposition half, with 45.3 percent of their attacking touches occurring there, second only to Australia.
The New York Times - Canada is set to play Morocco in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The New York Times - Morocco is ranked sixth in the world by FIFA and recently won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The New York Times - Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout.
The New York Times - Canada has reached the knockout round for the first time in their history.
The New York Times - Canada lost to Morocco 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup.
WHERE:
The New York Times - The match will take place in the United States as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
WHEN:
The New York Times - The match against Morocco is scheduled for Saturday.
WHY:
The New York Times - Canada is approaching the match against Morocco as a "free hit" due to their unexpected success in the tournament.
The New York Times - Canada aims to capitalize on Morocco's defensive weaknesses and their own attacking strengths.
HOW:
The New York Times - Canada coach Jesse Marsch is considering starting a left midfielder who is aggressive defensively, as Alphonso Davies is not operating at full capacity in that role.
The New York Times - Canada plans to defend compactly, press with authority, and utilize counter-attacks.
The New York Times - Canada has struggled to break down teams with low defensive blocks and will need to limit mistakes against Morocco.
(UPDATED July 2, 2026 11:52 UTC)
Canada will face Morocco at Houston Stadium for a chance to advance to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Morocco, the reigning 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion, has made headlines by defeating Spain and Portugal to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the last World Cup. Meanwhile, Canada coach Jesse Marsch is contemplating starting a left midfielder known for strong defensive skills, as Alphonso Davies is not fully fit for that position.
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(UPDATED July 2, 2026 06:23 UTC)
Canada's men's national soccer team is gearing up to face Morocco in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a historic moment as it's their first time reaching the knockout stage. Morocco, currently ranked sixth in the world and fresh off their victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, previously defeated Canada 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup. As they prepare for their match on Saturday, Canada is looking to exploit Morocco's defensive weaknesses while focusing on a compact defense and effective counter-attacks.