Canada to face Morocco after historic World Cup breakthrough

CALGARY — Canada's historic FIFA World Cup breakthrough now has its next chapter.



After advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in the history of the men's national team with a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, Canada will face Morocco on July 4 in Houston. Morocco secured its place Monday night by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the sides played to a 1-1 draw at Estadio Monterrey.



Stephen Eustáquio delivered Canada's defining moment, scoring in the second minute of stoppage time to send the Canadians into the tournament's final 16.



Canada generated the better scoring opportunities throughout the Round of 32 match despite holding just 42 per cent possession. Derek Cornelius was unable to direct Eustáquio's free kick past the goalkeeper in the 22nd minute before Moïse Bombito and Tajon Buchanan were both denied during a dangerous sequence late in the first half.



The Canadians continued to push after the break, creating another pair of chances in the 65th minute before Eustáquio finally found the breakthrough, securing Canada's first-ever World Cup knockout victory.



Canada finished with a 14-6 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in shots on target over South Africa.



Morocco's path to the Round of 16 proved equally dramatic.



Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute before Issa Diop equalized in stoppage time to force penalties. Ismael Saibari then converted the decisive spot kick as Morocco claimed the shootout 3-2.



Morocco controlled much of the match, finishing with 70 per cent possession while outshooting the Netherlands 12-7.



The upcoming meeting will renew a World Cup rivalry that began in Qatar in 2022. Canada and Morocco were drawn together in the same group, with Morocco topping the group after a 2-1 victory over Canada on Dec. 1 at Al Thumama Stadium in Ar-Rayyan. Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri scored for Morocco before an own goal by Nayef Aguerd accounted for Canada's lone marker.



Morocco went on to make history in that tournament, defeating Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinals to become the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semifinal before falling 2-0 to France. The Atlas Lions later dropped the third-place match 2-1 to Croatia.



Now, Canada will have an opportunity to write another piece of history when the two nations meet again Sunday in Houston, with a place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line.