The Atlas Lions cruised past co-hosts Canada, while Egypt’s historic campaign ended in heartbreaking loss against the defending champions.
Morocco will carry Africa’s hopes into the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a dominant 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada, while Egypt’s historic campaign came to a heartbreaking end with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina.
The Atlas Lions are now the only African nation remaining in the tournament after a composed and clinical performance secured their place in the last eight for the second consecutive FIFA World Cup, building on their historic semi-final run at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Morocco dominate Canada to reach another World Cup quarter-final
Morocco delivered a disciplined tactical display in Houston, frustrating the hosts before taking control in the second half.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, finishing from an assist by captain Achraf Hakimi to give the Atlas Lions a deserved lead.
Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute, effectively ending Canada’s hopes, before forward Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal deep into stoppage time to complete an emphatic victory.
The result reinforces Morocco’s status as one of world football’s emerging powers and extends Africa’s presence in the knockout stages for another round.
Egypt’s historic World Cup journey ends in dramatic fashion
Egypt’s remarkable campaign concluded in heartbreaking fashion despite producing one of the tournament’s most spirited performances against reigning world champions Argentina.
The Pharaohs twice took the lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir delivered a standout performance by saving a penalty from Lionel Messi, keeping Egypt ahead during a fiercely contested encounter.
Argentina responded through Cristian Romero before Messi found the equaliser to restore parity.
With extra time looming, midfielder Enzo Fernández headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the quarter-finals and end Egypt’s dream of a deeper World Cup run.
Although eliminated, Egypt leaves the tournament having achieved a historic milestone by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, marking one of the country’s greatest achievements on football’s biggest stage.
Morocco carry Africa’s hopes
Following Egypt’s elimination, nine of Africa’s ten representatives have now exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, DR Congo, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde and Egypt have all seen their campaigns come to an end, leaving Morocco as the continent’s sole remaining representative.
The Atlas Lions will now look to continue Africa’s remarkable World Cup story as they chase another historic run and seek to become the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup final.
