Morocco defeats Canada: International press praises Lions maturity

Morocco is no longer just the team that surprises. After the 3-0 victory against Canada in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the international press mainly speaks of a selection that has become colder, more efficient and more confident in knockout matches.

On Bladi.net : Morocco World Cup Victory: International Press Analysis

The Guardian first highlights the historical dimension of this qualification. The British daily emphasizes that Morocco becomes the first African country to reach the World Cup quarter-finals twice, following its run to the semi-finals in 2022.

The newspaper also insists on the manner. Facing an aggressive and enterprising Canada, the Lions managed to close spaces, absorb pressure and swing the match thanks to their transitions. For the English press, Mohamed Ouahbi’s Morocco may have changed style, but it has maintained a very solid defensive foundation.

The same reading from The Times. The British media notes that Canada dominated the first 25 minutes without managing to convert. Morocco, meanwhile, waited for the right moment before making the difference through Azzedine Ounahi, then killing the match on the counter.

Morocco now knows how to win these matches

In the United States, the Houston Chronicle emphasizes the contrast between Canada’s good start and Moroccan efficiency in decisive moments. The local media recalls that the match was very physical, with several yellow cards, but that Morocco better managed the key sequences.

The Spanish press also highlights this realism. El País points out that Canada had chances in the first half, but that Yassine Bounou and the Moroccan defense prevented the North Americans from believing in the upset. The newspaper then notes Morocco’s growing strength after the break.

Cadena SER sums up the match by Moroccan efficiency. According to the Spanish radio station, Morocco didn’t necessarily shine throughout the match, but it managed to resist, capitalize on its chances and rely on a great Ounahi, who scored twice.

In several reports, Bounou’s name also comes up as one of the turning points of the match. The Moroccan goalkeeper kept his team afloat when Canada was pushing. Then Ounahi struck twice, before Soufiane Rahimi sealed qualification in added time.

On Bladi.net : Morocco beats Canada 3-0, faces France in World Cup quarters

The international view of Morocco has changed. In 2022, the Lions of the Atlas were still described as the great surprise of the tournament. In 2026, they are now presented as a team established at the highest level, capable of winning without panicking and enforcing its new status. Morocco now awaits the winner of France-Paraguay, with one certainty: no one takes it lightly anymore.