FIFA World Cup 2026: "The strength of a nation," Hakimi after Morocco's RO16 win against Canada
Houston, July 5
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi celebrated his side's emphatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Canada, expressing pride after the Atlas Lions became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 triumph.
Hakimi shared a post on X after the match and wrote, "The strength of a team. The strength of a nation. Back in the QFs. DIMA MAGHRIB!"
The defender played a pivotal role in Morocco's victory, setting up the opening goal with a perfectly worked free-kick for Azzedine Ounahi early in the second half. The assist was Hakimi's third in FIFA World Cup history, making him just the fourth defender since 1966 to register three or more assists at the tournament, alongside Daley Blind, Denzel Dumfries and Cafu.
Morocco had to overcome a difficult opening 45 minutes as Canada made the brighter start in front of their home supporters. Jesse Marsch's men fashioned the first clear opportunity when Tani Oluwaseyi broke through on goal, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an outstanding save to preserve parity. Alistair Johnston also threatened with a header that was blocked by the Moroccan defence.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart when Hakimi's intelligent free-kick found Ounahi in space on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder kept his composure to sweep the ball into the bottom corner and put Morocco ahead.
Canada pressed for an equaliser, but Jonathan David fired a dangerous free-kick over the crossbar before substitute Tajon Buchanan forced another fine save from Bounou with a powerful long-range strike.
As the co-hosts committed numbers forward, Morocco capitalised on the spaces left behind. Brahim Diaz drove down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Ounahi, who blasted home his second goal of the evening to effectively seal Morocco's place in the last eight.
Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring with virtually the final kick of the match, capping a superb second-half performance from Mohamed Ouahbi's side. The victory extended Morocco's unbeaten run to 10 matches and marked their seventh win in the last nine knockout fixtures across major international tournaments.
Canada's campaign came to an end, although the co-hosts departed the tournament after making history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Canadian, it's disappointing but we gave it our all. Morocco were just better on the night. That second goal by Ounahi was a beauty! Proud of our boys for making history though - first knockout stage ever. 👏
What a team effort! Reminds me of India's famous 1983 World Cup win - a nation coming together behind their team. Morocco's journey is inspiring for smaller football nations like us. DIMA MAGHRIB indeed! The way they defended in numbers and struck on the counter was pure class. 🏆
Just imagine if India ever reaches the World Cup knockout stage - the whole nation would grind to a halt! 😂 But seriously, Morocco has shown that with proper planning and team spirit, anything is possible. Bounou's save in the first half was the turning point. Our Indian Super League teams could learn about that killer instinct in front of goal.
Heartbreaking for Canada as hosts, but they should be proud. That said, Morocco were simply brilliant - especially in the second half. Hakimi is world-class and that free-kick routine was perfectly executed. As an Indian watching from afar, I feel so inspired by how African teams are making their mark on the world stage. Who says only European or South American teams can dominate? 🇲🇦❤️
Honestly, Canada's attack was toothless in the second half despite all their possession. Bounou was outstanding but they didn't test him enough. Morocco's defensive organisation was impeccable - reminds me of how our Indian cricket team defends totals. Great
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