Morocco Makes History with Quarterfinal Spot Following Victory Over Canada in World Cup 2026

Moroccans at home and abroad celebrated on Saturday after their national team secured a 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston, advancing the Atlas Lions to the quarterfinals, Anadolu reports.

The win against Canada, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside the US and Mexico, marked Morocco as the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments.

Fans waving Moroccan flags and chanting “Dima Maghrib” – meaning “Always Morocco” – gathered in large numbers across Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Fez, while jubilant celebrations also erupted at the Houston Stadium.

– “My heart will always be in Morocco”

Manal Elfakir, a Moroccan architect based in Istanbul, shared her experience with Anadolu, watching the match at a crowded cafe alongside Moroccan, Turkish, and international football supporters.

“So proud of this victory! Once again, we’ve reached the quarterfinals! As the first African team to achieve this, it fills us with immense pride,” she said. “The Atlas Lions never give up. No matter where I am, my heart remains in Morocco. Dima Maghrib!”

In Casablanca, Yassir Babennass, a former professional footballer, joined the festivities and lauded Morocco’s tactical performance.

“Congratulations once again to our national team,” he told Anadolu. “I believe the squad regrouped strongly in the second half after facing intense pressure. The goals were well-crafted and efficient, with sharp reactions and swift counterattacks.”

“And once again, congratulations to all of us as a people, a country, and as representatives of Africans and Muslims,” he added.

Morocco delivered a commanding second-half performance, scoring three goals to secure their place in the quarterfinals.

The Atlas Lions previously made history in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals before finishing in fourth place.

Morocco will face the winner of Saturday’s Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, set to take place later in Philadelphia, in the quarterfinal on July 9.

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