Canada vs Morocco Live, FIFA World Cup: (CAN 0-2 MAR) Ounahi doubles Morocco's lead against co-hosts Canada

Canada have a set-piece with three of the eight added minutes already gone.

Even their goalkeeper has come up in search of a breakthrough as the co-hosts throw everything forward.

Full-time is approaching in Houston, with eight minutes added on for stoppage time.

Canada must find real urgency now if they want any chance of getting back into this match.

Morocco are now surely heading to the World Cup quarter-finals!

It’s Ounahi again!

The Atlas Lions lead 2-0 in Houston as Canada are left exposed at the back. Brahim Díaz bursts into space, cuts inside his marker and lays it off for Ounahi, who calmly fires a first-time finish into the top-right corner.

GOALLLLLLL!

Morocco double their lead and it’s Ounahi again!

Surely, they’re now on their way to the quarter-finals!

Buchanan finds space and lets fly at goal, but a diving Bono gets down well to push the ball behind for a corner.

The resulting set-piece is dealt with comfortably by Morocco.

Time is running out for Canada to find a way back into this match.

Ounahi’s goal has completely shifted the dynamic, with the co-hosts now struggling to create clear openings.

Can the underdogs still have a say?

Not much in that at all.

As Cyle Larin chases down a loose ball and briefly pressures the keeper, minimal contact sees Yassine Bounou go down.

Before things can escalate, the referee books Larin, and we head into the hydration break.

Canada are in desperate need of inspiration, or the co-hosts’ World Cup journey will end here.

And there’s no better man in the squad than captain Alphonso Davies to provide that spark.

But the question remains — when will Jesse Marsch bring him on?

Ahmed drives his cross from the left straight into Bouaddi, earning another corner for Eustaquio to take.

He floats it high towards the back post, but De Fougerolles can only head it against the nearest Moroccan defender.

Canada’s failure to make the most of their first-half dominance could come back to haunt them, as Morocco have gone unbeaten in their last nine World Cup matches after scoring first — a streak stretching back to their 2-1 defeat to Germany in June 1970.

Morocco strike first in Houston!

The Atlas Lions break the deadlock from a well-worked free-kick, with Hakimi sliding it across for Azzedine Ounahi, who calmly drills a precise finish into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box.

Morocco lead 1-0 and have started the second half with far greater intent.

GOALLLL!

Despite Canada dominating much of the game, it's Morocco, who take the lead through a set piece.

This is the first World Cup match on record (since 1966) to feature more bookings (six) than shots (five) in the first half, underlining just how scrappy and underwhelming the opening period has been.

As we enter the second half in Houston, it must be said that this Canadian side has risen to the challenge with real composure and elegance.

Here we go in the final 45 minutes of regulation time as Morocco get us underway.

The first half ends goalless, but not without drama. Canada created the better openings, only to be frustrated by two outstanding saves from Bono. Morocco gradually grew into the contest but struggled to carve out clear chances. Tempers flared late in the half, with El Khannouss becoming the fourth Moroccan player booked after a late challenge on De Fougerolles. Everything is still to play for after an entertaining, hard-fought opening 45 minutes.

The closing stages of the first half have become increasingly feisty. Jonathan David was first booked for pulling back Diaz after being beaten on the flank, before Azzedine Ounahi followed him into Michael Oliver's notebook for a cynical swipe from behind on Ahmed.

With Hakimi and Laryea already cautioned, the referee has had his hands full as tempers continue to simmer.

The first flashpoint of the evening has arrived. Achraf Hakimi and Richie Laryea were both shown yellow cards after an off-the-ball shove from the Morocco full-back sparked a brief confrontation involving players from both sides. Referee Michael Oliver stepped in quickly to restore order, but the tension is beginning to rise as half-time approaches.

There is plenty of World Cup experience on show in Houston. Canada have two survivors from their group-stage meeting with Morocco at Qatar 2022, with Alistair Johnston and Tajon Buchanan starting again. Morocco boast even greater continuity, with Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Azzedine Ounahi all back in the XI from that memorable encounter nearly four years ago.

Morocco have finally worked Maxime Crepeau for the first time. Rahimi let fly from distance after finding a pocket of space, and although his effort took a slight deflection on the way through, the Canada goalkeeper reacted well to get down and gather comfortably.

After weathering Canada's early pressure, Morocco are beginning to show signs of life in attack.

Morocco have been dealt an early setback as Saibari's night comes to a premature end. The midfielder went down off the ball clutching the back of his thigh and, after receiving treatment, was unable to continue.

Rahimi has been introduced as Morocco's first substitution of the night in what could prove to be a significant blow.

Canada are piling on the pressure and Bono is proving why he's one of the world's top goalkeepers.

After Morocco gifted possession away, Tani Oluwaseyi produced a superb turn to breeze past his marker before firing low at goal.

Bono reacted brilliantly, sticking out a foot to make his second big save in quick succession and keep the Atlas Lions level.

Canada have produced the first real chance of the night. Richie Laryea's persistence won the game's first corner before Jonathan David pounced on a loose ball from a tight angle.

The striker got his shot away, but Morocco goalkeeper Bono stood tall, spreading himself brilliantly to make a crucial early save and keep the scores level.

The Round of 16 clash is yet to burst into life, with both teams taking a cautious approach in the opening exchanges. Canada defender Moise Bombito attempted an ambitious long ball to Tajon Buchanan, but it sailed harmlessly out of play. With a quarter-final against either France or Paraguay on the line, neither side is willing to take unnecessary risks in a measured start.

As kick-off approaches for the first Round of 16 clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, both teams have completed their warm-ups and are now set for the national anthems.

We have already seen the Canadian line-up for the last 16 encounters. Here is the Moroccan line-up for tonight's clash –

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bounou, Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui, Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannous, Saibari.

Subs: Mohamedi, Tagnaouti, Amrabat, Saadane, Talbi, Rahimi, El Ouahdi, El Mourabet, Yassine, Sbai, Riad, Belammari, El Kaabi, Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Saleh-Eddine.

Hello, hello, hello!!!!

The last 16s are here, and we have a banger of a game to start the round with. Canada takes on Morocco in Houston. Here is the Canadian line-up for the encounter –

Canada (4-4-2): Crepeau, Johnston, De Fougerolles, Bombito, Laryea, Buchanan, Sigur, Stephen Eustaquio, Ahmed, Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi

Subs: St. Clair, Goodman, Jones, Waterman, Choiniere, Larin, Millar, Cornelius, Shaffelburg, Davies, Osorio, Promise David, Saliba, Nelson