The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hailed Morocco’s qualification for the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada, saying that the Atlas Lions continue to make history on the global stage.
CAF noted in a statement posted on its official website that Morocco has become the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in two consecutive editions, extending the remarkable journey that began at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African team ever to advance to the semi-finals.
The statement highlighted that Morocco faced a difficult first half against Canada, with the North Americans applying sustained pressure and creating several scoring opportunities. However, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve a clean sheet before the match turned in Morocco’s favor after the break.
CAF also praised the decisive contribution of Azzedine Ounahi, who opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful strike following a well-worked set-piece. He then doubled Morocco’s advantage in the 82nd minute after a swift counterattack, while Soufiane Rahimi completed the 3-0 victory in stoppage time.
The statement added that Ounahi’s brace was historic, making him the first African player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Senegal’s Henri Camara against Sweden at the 2002 World Cup. Morocco also maintained its perfect winning record in World Cup matches in which Ounahi has scored.
For African football, it was another major statement from a Moroccan side that continues to show it can handle the pressure of knockout football, CAF said, adding that Morocco continues to carry the hopes of African football at the World Cup, once again demonstrating its ability to thrive in knockout matches thanks to its resilience, strong character, and growing experience.
Their run in 2022 changed the continent’s belief about what is possible at the World Cup and this campaign is now proving that it was not a one-off.
The Atlas Lions will face France, which won over Paraguay with a penalty shootout, in the quarterfinals as they continue their pursuit of another historic achievement.
