By Graham Ruthven
Home advantage (?)
Canada have played their part as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, making the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Unlike Mexico and the USA, though, Canada’s home advantage isn’t really a home advantage at all.
After seeing off South Africa in Los Angeles, Jesse Marsch’s team are now in Houston to take on Morocco in what will be their biggest test of the tournament so far. Canada might have to produce their best-ever performance to get past the 2022 semi-finalists.
Morocco have looked strong at the 2026 World Cup so far. The Atlas Lions saw off Netherlands in a Round of 32 penalty shootout and will be favourites to progress past Canada into the quarter-finals.
This could be a cagey affair with both teams at their best in quick transition. Morocco will likely control the majority of possession and will be able to call upon their experience of their deep run at the 2022 World Cup.
Key players
Nobody has scored more goals for Canada at this World Cup than Jonathan David who is expected to lead the line once more against Morocco. The Juventus forward’s link-up play is valuable, but Canada will need his finishing instincts more than anything else.
All three of Canada’s forward options have delivered at various points of the World Cup with Promise David and Cyle Larin both capable of finding the back of the net. Meanwhile, Tajon Buchanan will be a threat on the wing.
The game could come too early for Alphonso Davies who made his much-anticipated return from injury in the win over South Africa. The Bayern Munich left back may be limited to another cameo off the bench.
Achraf Hakimi is widely seen as the best right back in the world and is so important to Morocco’s attack, creating more chances than any player for the Atlas Lions at this World Cup. His direct running is almost impossible to stop.
Morocco will lean on Ayyoub Bouaddi to control possession in the centre of the pitch. The Lille teenager has been one of the breakout stars of this World Cup and offers so much on both sides of the ball.
Brahim Díaz could be a useful tool for Morocco to break down Canada’s defence while Yassine Bono will be the Atlas Lions’ final line of defence at the other end of the pitch. Morocco boast quality all over the field.
Team news
Davies’ fitness is Canada’s primary concern ahead of Saturday’s match in Houston. The Bayern Munich left back still looks to be lacking sharpness, but could Marsch gamble by playing him from the start?
Ismaël Koné is out with a serious injury sustained in the group stage while Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli are Morocco’s only concerns. Otherwise, Mohamed Ouahbi will have a fully fit and available squad to choose from.
Prediction
After a very encouraging World Cup showing, both on home soil, and in the United States, this could prove a step too far for Canada, but should give them cause for optimism: Canada 1-2 Morocco.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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