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World Cup co-hosts Canada are hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time when they play Morocco in the round of 16 in Houston on Saturday evening.
They beat South Africa 1-0 in the round of 32 to set up the tie, but will have to play outside Canada again.
Meanwhile, Morocco stunned the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw to beat them on penalties, as they aim to eventually reach back-to-back World Cup semi-finals.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best world cup betting offers.
Canada vs. Morocco key stats
- Canada are bidding to become the first team since 2002 to win their first two World Cup knockout ties.
- Morocco are unbeaten in 33 games in all competitions (W28, D5).
- Canada have never beaten Morocco in four H2Hs (D1, L3), with the last meeting in 2022.
Canada vs. Morocco preview: Atlas Lions to roar into quarters?
| Canada | vs | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | FIFA Ranking | 7 |
| Cyle Larin (93) | Most Caps | Achraf Hakimi (100) |
| Jonathan David (42) | Most Goals | Ayoub El Kaabi (35) |
| 1017 | Total Caps | 761 |
| 141 | Total Goals | 105 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Canada could make history if they win this game, as they would reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
They will be underdogs against Morocco though, who are ranked 23 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
Canada also surrendered home advantage by finishing second in the group stage, making it more difficult for Jesse Marsch's side.
Ismael Kone is also missing for the co-hosts, but star player Alphonso Davies is pushing for his first start in the tournament.
As for Morocco, they showed they can mix it with the big boys again after beating the Netherlands on penalties last time out.
The Atlas Lions are now on a remarkable 33-game unbeaten run (W28, D5), and will be aiming to extend it here with another victory.
They have also never lost to Canada (W3, D1), with their last H2H in the 2022 World Cup, where Morocco won 2-1.
Mohamed Ouahbi's side are sweating on Chadi Riad's fitness after limping off in the last match, but otherwise the AFCON champions are at full strength.
Canada vs. Morocco form guide & betting tips
| Canada | vs | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
DDWLW |
Form | DDWWW |
| 10 | Goals For | 8 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 5 |
WLW |
World Cup 2026 | WWW |
Whispers predicts: Canada 1-2 Morocco
Morocco are 5/6 (1.83) favourites to win, and 2/5 (1.40) favourites to qualify.
Given their superior form and quality, we side with the bookies here, but feel Canada could also cause them problems.
BTTS – Yes at 23/20 (2.15) therefore suits us as an opening bet, and we feel Achraf Hakimi could make the difference for Morocco.
He could become the first African player to make 15 World Cup appearances, and boasts five goal contributions in his last seven caps (G1, A4).
Hakimi to score or assist at 11/5 (3.20) therefore appeals as a second pick.
Overall, we are predicting a Correct score – 1-2 at 17/2 (9.50), which would be a repeat scoreline of the previous H2H.
> BTTS – Yes at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Possible
> Hakimi to score or assist at 11/5 (3.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – 1-2 at 17/2 (9.50) | Likelihood: Outsider