Canada v Morocco: Predicted line-ups, stats and preview for World Cup last-16 clash

A place in the World Cup quarter-finals will be on the line when Canada and Morocco meet at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday.

Canada have already made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time and claiming their first-ever World Cup knockout win, while Morocco continue to build on their remarkable 2022 campaign after eliminating the Netherlands in the Round of 32.

Jesse Marsch’s side edged past South Africa 1-0 in the previous round thanks to a dramatic 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio.

Jonathan David remains their primary attacking threat, while the return of Alphonso Davies from injury has provided a major boost at a crucial stage of the competition.

Morocco, meanwhile, followed an unbeaten group-stage campaign by knocking out the Netherlands on penalties after a tightly contested game.

The Atlas Lions have already become the first African nation to win knockout matches at two separate World Cups, and they remain determined to build on their historic semi-final run at the 2022 tournament.

The two nations met in the group stage of Qatar 2022, with Morocco securing a 2-1 win. Canada are still searching for their first-ever win against the Atlas Lions, having failed to win any of their previous four senior men’s meetings.

Team news for Canada vs Morocco

Canada received a major boost with Alphonso Davies returning from injury as a substitute against South Africa.

While Davies could push for a starting role, Richie Laryea is expected to retain his place at left-back. Jesse Marsch also faces decisions in attack, with Cyle Larin, Promise David and Tani Oluwaseyi all competing to partner Jonathan David.

Stephen Eustaquio is certain to start after scoring the winning goal in the previous round, while Tajon Buchanan will continue to provide attacking width.

Morocco are expected to have a fully fit squad available.

Centre-back Chadi Riad recovered quickly after being forced off against the Netherlands and should be available to partner Issa Diop in defence.

Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remain key figures at the back, while Ismael Saibari, Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss provide creativity in advanced areas.

Expected line-ups for Canada vs Morocco

Canada starting XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi

Morocco starting XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari

Where to watch Canada vs Morocco: TV channel, online live stream

The match takes place on Saturday, July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, with kick-off at 18:00 BST.

In the UK, the match will be broadcast on ITV1, and you can also stream the game online through ITVX or Sky Go.

Canada vs Morocco stats

• Canada are appearing in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history
• Canada have scored in six consecutive matches across all competitions
• Jesse Marsch’s side recorded 100 final-third pressures in the first half against South Africa, the highest figure in a World Cup match since detailed data collection began in 2010
• Canada have kept two clean sheets in their last three World Cup matches
• Morocco are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions
• The Atlas Lions have progressed from consecutive World Cup group stages for the first time
• Morocco completed 801 passes against the Netherlands in the previous round, becoming only the second team after Spain to exceed 800 passes in a World Cup match since modern data tracking began
• Morocco have conceded just two goals in four matches at World Cup 2026
• Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 when the sides met at the 2022 World Cup
• The Atlas Lions have never lost to Canada in senior men’s international football

Prediction for Canada vs Morocco

Canada have been one of the stories of the tournament and possess enough energy and attacking quality to trouble Morocco.

However, the Atlas Lions appear the more complete team. Their technical quality in midfield and experience in knockout football should give them the edge in what is likely to be a closely contested encounter.

Prediction: Canada 1-2 Morocco