​HOUSTON — In Saturday’s World Cup round of 16 clash between Canada and Morocco, one side is shaping history while the other hopes its past doesn’t define its future. Morocco reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals, making the Atlas Lions the clear betting favorites to overcome Canada, which is in the knockout stage for the first time and aiming to reach its maiden quarterfinal. Although Canada defender Alistair Johnston referenced giants and titans when discussing Morocco on Friday, Morocco’s players are reluctant to embrace their status as favorites. “This is something for the media, the favorite tag,” Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat said at the team’s final pre-match training. “We work hard, we know what to do, we believe in ourselves and, God willing, we’ll win this game. We have a lot of respect for Canada because they’re a very good team, but we are a good team too, so it will be a nice game.”
Morocco went unbeaten in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Brazil and defeating Scotland and Haiti, then ousting the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the round of 32. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi told his players that the Canada match will be their toughest and most important yet of this World Cup. “We have a great deal of respect for this team. We have every reason to fear it and its qualities,” Ouahbi said. “We also know it will be very important for us to play at our level. The form we’ve shown in the first games won’t be enough to win tomorrow.” Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the 2022 group stage, though both teams have since undergone roster changes and new coaches. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said revenge for Qatar isn’t the motive for his squad; they’re focused on how Morocco plays—mobile in the midfield and with a confident identity. “This is a team that has essentially zero weaknesses,” Marsch said. “But we have to focus on the things we do well and see if that can stand up to an opponent like this.”
Canada may have the advantage of a shorter recovery window since Morocco played 120 minutes in their last match, a day after Canada beat South Africa in the round of 32. Yet Ouahbi dismissed concerns about physical fatigue, saying, “What matters most in tournaments like this is mental freshness. If your mind is ready, you can go very far.” Johnston, the 27-year-old Celtic right back in his second World Cup, stressed that mentality is crucial for a young Canadian squad gaining confidence with every match. “The calm I bring into this game helps,” he said, underscoring the mindset that will drive Canada as it faces a veteran, high-caliber foe.