Morocco used their going after muscles in the final hour and a half of play in Gathering F to defeat the gathering’s misfits, Canada, 2-1 and seal their destiny as gathering champs and advance to the FIFA World Cup (WC) knockout rounds, which began in 1986.
Canada had the worst start in their last group F game, adding to the disappointment of their WC leave previously being confirmed. After rushing out of his goal to collect Steven Vitória’s underhit backpass, Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan saw his most memorable touch slip away from him, and Hakim Ziyech was preparing to throw his shot within five minutes, the Atlas Lions had a significant lead thanks to an unfilled net.
To make matters worse for the Canadians, Morocco extended their lead in style a little more than 15 minutes later, when Achraf Hakimi’s raking pass tracked down Youssef En-Nesyri in step, and the striker opened up clinically. While it appeared that the North Africans would take an unconquerable lead into the break, it was sliced down the middle in the final five minutes before the stretch, as Sam Adekugbe’s cross looked off Nayef Aguerd and beat Yassine Bounou’s outstretched hand, paving the way for a possible twist in the story in the final part.
Canada was pushed to adapt throughout the game, despite having nothing to play for except pride, the Maple Leafs came surprisingly close to evening the scoreline just past the 70-minute mark. Atiba Hutchinson’s initial effort rang the crossbar and just missed going too far, while Alistair Johnston couldn’t keep his subsequent header down. While they were forced to work it out, Morocco clung to finish their gallant effort in Group F, claiming victory.
After a sublime passing performance in CONCACAF, Canada will leave Qatar with a bitter taste in their mouths after suffering losses in all three games. Nonetheless, they can begin to anticipate 2026, when the North American country will be one of three co-hosts for the following World Cup
