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Morocco's Ismael Saibari (11) scores from the penalty spot during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
By The Canadian Press

A look at Morocco, Canada’s Round of 16 World Cup opponent

Jun 29, 2026 | 10:02 PM

Morocco

Nickname: The Atlas Lions

Head coach: Mohamed Ouahbi

FIFA world ranking (official): No. 7

Best World Cup result: Fourth place, 2022

Key players: Attacking midfielder/forward Ismael Saibari scored a goal in each of Morocco’s three group-stage games. Defender and captain Achraf Hakimi, forward Brahim Diaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou are other players to watch.

Last meeting: Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in their final group-stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Canadian connection: Bounou was born in Montreal to Moroccan parents. The family relocated to Casablanca when he was three.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 29, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press