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Canada Loses 3-0 to Morocco in R16, Nets $43.5M

7/5/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Canada Eliminated

Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the round of 16 on July 4, 2026 in Houston.
Canada, ranked No. 30, led the first half against seventh-ranked Morocco without scoring.
Alphonso Davies missed the match because of a hamstring injury.
Coach Jesse Marsch said the team proved it belongs among the world’s elite.
Canada earned $18.5 million in FIFA prize money and $25 million from its foundation for youth development.

Summary

Morocco Reaches Quarterfinal

Morocco became the first African nation to reach two World Cup quarter-finals, matching the continent’s knockout wins.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the win confirms Morocco’s elite status and a new attack.
Six yellow cards before halftime set a World Cup booking record since at least 1966.
Ismael Saibari left with a hamstring injury in the 22nd minute and substitute Soufiane Rahimi later scored the third goal.

History

Historical Context

In 1990 Cameroon became the first African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final, beating defending champions Argentina and advancing past Romania thanks to 38-year-old Roger Milla’s four goals. Their run prompted FIFA to add an extra African qualifying spot, a change later echoed when Morocco reached the semi-final in 2022, confirming Africa’s growing competitiveness.

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Canada Eliminated

Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the round of 16 on July 4, 2026 in Houston.
Canada, ranked No. 30, led the first half against seventh-ranked Morocco without scoring.
Alphonso Davies missed the match because of a hamstring injury.
Coach Jesse Marsch said the team proved it belongs among the world’s elite.
Canada earned $18.5 million in FIFA prize money and $25 million from its foundation for youth development.

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