Morocco vs. Canada: Everything you need to know ahead of FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown
Morocco and Canada meet Saturday afternoon with a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line as two nations continue their memorable tournament runs.
Canada reached the Round of 16 after eliminating South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32, while Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to continue another impressive World Cup campaign. Saturday’s match also serves as a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup group-stage meeting, which Morocco won 2-1.
Match information
Match: Morocco vs. Canada
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16
Date: Saturday, July 4
Kickoff: 1 p.m. EDT (Noon CDT)
Venue: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium), Houston, Texas.
TV, streaming and radio
TV (United States): FOX
Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports App and participating TV providers carrying FOX. The match will also be available in 4K through FOX’s World Cup coverage.
Radio: SiriusXM FC and Fútbol de Primera Radio affiliates are expected to carry match coverage in the United States.
Stadium information
Venue: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: Approximately 72,220 spectators for FIFA World Cup matches.
NRG Stadium is hosting multiple knockout-stage matches during the 2026 World Cup and previously welcomed Brazil’s Round of 32 victory over Japan earlier in the tournament.
Weather
Outside: Hot and humid conditions are expected in Houston, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s Fahrenheit and a chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
Inside the stadium: NRG Stadium’s retractable roof and climate-controlled environment should keep temperatures around 72 degrees, creating ideal playing conditions.
Official FIFA World Rankings
- Morocco: No. 11
- Canada: No. 30
Road to the Round of 16
Morocco: Advanced after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the Round of 32.
Canada: Advanced after a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32.
Players to watch
Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi
- Youssef En-Nesyri
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Brahim Díaz
- Bilal El Khannouss
Canada
- Alphonso Davies
- Jonathan David
- Cyle Larin
- Stephen Eustáquio
- Moïse Bombito
Series history
Morocco has won each of the last two meetings between the nations, including a 2-1 victory during the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Fun facts
- Morocco became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal during its historic run in 2022.
- Canada is seeking its first-ever FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
- The winner advances to face the winner of Paraguay vs. France in the quarterfinals.
What’s at stake?
The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
The loser heads home.
Prediction
Morocco has looked organized, disciplined and dangerous throughout the tournament, while Canada has shown it can defend and capitalize on limited opportunities. The Canadians have enough attacking quality to find the back of the net, but Morocco’s balance, pace and experience in big knockout matches should ultimately prove decisive.
One person who may not be thrilled if this prediction comes true? Broadcaster Warren Barton. A conceded goal is practically a footballing misdemeanor in Barton’s eyes, so expect him to have plenty to say if Morocco’s back line allows Canada onto the scoresheet.
Still, Morocco’s attack should be too much over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Morocco 3, Canada 1.
Check out the latest articles from EasySportz
Check out the latest FIFA World Cup scores
