By OkayGoal 
Morocco face Canada at Houston Stadium on Saturday evening in the World Cup round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals against Paraguay or France on the line.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side beat the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic last-32 tie, Issa Diop heading in a 91st-minute equaliser before the Atlas Lions won the shootout 3–2.
Morocco are unbeaten in nine consecutive competitive matches, concede very little, and have a squad packed with Premier League and European quality. Canada are the underdogs. Morocco have won three of the four previous meetings between the sides.
Morocco team news
Ouahbi is expected to have a fully-fit squad available for the round of 16. The one fitness concern from the Netherlands match has been resolved. Chadi Riad was substituted at 75 minutes after a knock but made a rapid return to full training and is expected to start at centre-back alongside Issa Diop. Redouane Halhal and Marwane Saadane remain available as defensive cover should Riad face any late setback.
Ismael Saibari starts up front. The 25-year-old, who signed for Bayern Munich in the days immediately following the Netherlands victory, scored three goals in Morocco’s group-stage campaign and added the winning penalty in the shootout. His movement, finishing and set-piece delivery have been central to everything Morocco have done in attack.
Brahim Díaz operates behind him from the right, Bilal El Khannouss from the left, with Azzedine Ounahi in the number ten role. Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi form the double pivot, the 20-year-old Bouaddi having been one of the tournament’s outstanding young midfield performers.
Achraf Hakimi covers the right side at right back, his forward runs and delivery providing an additional attacking dimension. Noussair Mazraoui is at left back. Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper, continues between the sticks — he did not face a single shot on target from the Netherlands in 120 minutes before the shootout.
Morocco predicted lineup
Morocco possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup round of 16 match kicks off at 18:00 BST on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
How to watch Canada vs Morocco?
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
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