​Photo Credit: Brett Davis
Morocco vs. Canada: All you need to know before the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash
Morocco and Canada square off Saturday afternoon with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line as both nations continue their memorable runs. Canada advanced to the Round of 16 by edging South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32, while Morocco upset the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to keep another impressive World Cup campaign alive. This match also serves as a rematch of the 2022 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. ET (12 p.m. CT)
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Television, streaming, and radio
US TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One, FOX Sports App, and participating TV providers carrying FOX
4K: Available via FOX World Cup coverage
Radio: SiriusXM FC and Fútbol de Primera affiliates in the United States
Stadium details
Venue: NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: Approximately 72,220 for World Cup matches
Notes: NRG Stadium is hosting multiple knockout-stage games in the 2026 World Cup and previously hosted Brazil vs. Japan in the Round of 32. Weather in Houston is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s and possible afternoon storms. Inside the stadium, the retractable roof and climate-controlled environment should keep playing conditions around 72 degrees.
Official FIFA World Rankings
Morocco: No. 11
Canada: No. 30
Road to the Round of 16
Morocco: Reached the Round of 16 by defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation/extra time.
Canada: Reached the Round of 16 by defeating South Africa 1-0 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 defeated Canada in each of the last two meetings, including a 2-1 group-stage win at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fun facts
Morocco became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal in 2022.
Canada is aiming for its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
What’s at stake?
The winner advances to the World Cup quarterfinals; the loser’s campaign ends here.
Prediction
Morocco has been organized, disciplined, and dangerous throughout the tournament, while Canada has shown strong defense and the ability to capitalize on limited chances. Canada has the attacking talent to score, but Morocco’s form and consistency could edge this one.