Player Ratings: Canada 0-3 Morocco: Ounahi in shock, Bono first-half hero

Defeated by a busy Canada for almost half of the tournament, Morocco finally let their clinical finish do the talking as they won 3-0 on Saturday in Houston to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

For almost a full half, the Atlas Lions struggled under the Canadian press and their survival was largely due to Yassine Bono. The second half told a completely different story. Led by Azzedine Ounahi, who scored two goals, and the late Brahim Diaz, who contributed two assists, Morocco put in a tough performance to reach the last eight, where they will face the winner of France and Paraguay.

Voted by the fans: Azzedine Ounahi, your Player of the Match. ?

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/bF3CKoGezq

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026

Morocco vs Canada player ratings

He has a goalkeeper

Yassine Bono — 8/10

The hero of the penalty shootout win over the Netherlands, the Al Hilal goalkeeper was decisive again. Called into the game from the opening minutes, Bono kept Morocco moving with great saves from Jonathan David and Oluwaseyi. He was alert in the second half, holding on for two dangerous attempts to claim his second clean sheet of the tournament.

THE DEFENDERS

Achraf Hakimi — 6.5/10

The tale of the two halves of the Morocco captain. The first laborious period, marked by the indirectness of unusual technology, left a more advanced second, with a greater forward momentum and a more prominent role in the design. His cleverly disguised free-kick in Ounahi’s first game was very impressive. One factor was a dangerous pass back to Bono that would have proved costly.

Issa Diop — 6.5/10

Building on his strong display against the Netherlands, the Fulham centre-back delivered another assured and consistent display. Competent and calm in his defensive work, he contained Oluwaseyi and met the physical challenge that the Canadian striker has faced everywhere.

Redouane Halal — 4/10

Starting in the absence of the injured Chadi Riad, the 23-year-old showed determination but was not entirely satisfied. Careless in his distribution, he came close to conceding a silly penalty with a dangerous push on Tajon Buchanan inside the box on the hour mark.

Noussair Mazraoui — 5/10

It is not the most successful game of Manchester United, which is ranked on the left side of the nation. Despite some helpful interventions, he looked below his physical best. He coped well with the lively Buchanan and maintained his defensive posture, although his contribution in the attacking phase was well below his usual level.

THE MIDFIELDERS

Neil El Aynaoui — 3/10

A player who has not disappointed since arriving at the national team last year, bringing physical presence, technical quality and composure under pressure as usual. However, this was a day to forget. Harassed by the Canadian counter-press, he repeatedly lost his property. One statistic tells the story: zero duels won in four attempts.

Ayyoub Bouaddi — 7/10

One can fully understand the reported frustration of French football officials at losing to this gem, who continues to entertain game after game at this world cup. He showed it again here, standing out as one of the few Moroccan players to keep his head above water during a difficult first half. Physical, sharp in tackles and technically comfortable – he held the middle ground where others struggled.

Azzedine Ounahi — 9/10

Night and day. It is the only sentence that captures this display. Struggling badly in the first half under the weight of the Canadian press – misguided and unable to break free from their clutches in midfield – Ounahi looked nothing like the player who arrived in North America with such expectations. Then came the second half. First, a comfortable finish for flat feet to unlock points. Then a brilliant individual performance, summed up by the second goal from a superb Brahim Diaz service. He also came very close to being involved in the third goal with Rahimi’s close assist.

Azzedine Ounahi ??#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/m0k8cm0FAf

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026

FORWARD

Brahim Diaz — 9/10

Like Ounahi and most of his teammates, the Real Madrid attacking midfielder endured a difficult first half, moving to get the ball and trying to make himself available. The second time was a revelation. As spaces opened up for Canada to push forward, Diaz exploited the room with his pace and vision – most impressively with a clever combination of an outside turn and a sweet pass for Ounahi’s second goal. Then he did Rahimi’s third. Two assistants. Is this the game that finally opened him up in this tournament?

Ismael Saibari – Not rated (included in the injury zone)

Bilal El Khanouss — 5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Soufiane Rahimi — 7/10

Coming in for the injured Saibari, the Al Ain centre-forward brought immediate benefits with his ability to hold the ball up high and link play behind him to goal. Working on the forward line, he produced Morocco’s first effort on target. He was unlucky to see the header cleared off the post before he finally added the gloss in stoppage time, giving the scoreline a clear, complete look.

Chemseddine Talbi — 7/10

A very nice cameo. Lively and direct in his station, he brought energy and penetration. He was at the root of the third goal, holding off the Canadian’s challenge to sack Brahim Diaz in the move that ended the contest.

Soufiane Amrabat – Not rated

Canada vs Morocco player ratings

He has a goalkeeper

Maxim Crepeau — 3/10

A quiet first half – Morocco only manage to get one attempt on target, which they collect easily. The second half was more difficult as Morocco’s attacks became more and more frequent. He was inconsistent with Ounahi’s first goal, then did little with the latter two goals.

THE DEFENDERS

Alistair Johnston – Not rated

Luc De Fougerolles — 4.5/10

Stepping in for the absent Derrick Cornelius, he showed admirable commitment and competed well in the air. His determination was unquestionable. However, his youth and limited experience at this level – he is 20 and part of Fulham’s reserve set-up – showed as Morocco’s second-half pressure intensified and he struggled to contain the Atlas Lions’ attacks.

Moise Bombito — 2/10

A very difficult night for the defender of Nice, who brought out the concern in his area and his distribution throughout. He didn’t make any strong defensive tackles and was more of a spectator than a participant for large parts of the game. A deflected pass caught by Rahimi in the build-up could have far-reaching consequences.

Richie Laryea — 4/10

He did very well for the most part, containing Brahim Diaz adequately and taking part in forward positions from time to time. But his performance faltered as the game wore on and he was substituted just after the hour.

Morocco secure their place in the last eight! ?#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026

THE MIDFIELDERS

Stephen Eustaquio — 5/10

The Canadian captain started with enthusiasm, pressing hard in the middle and putting the Moroccan midfielders under a lot of pressure. He also showed a desire to carry the ball forward explosively. However, the physical demands of that opening spell seemed to catch up with him and his influence waned as the match wore on.

Nico Sigur — 6/10

Perhaps Canada’s best foreign player. He set the pressure level and harassed El Aynaoui and Ounahi relentlessly in the first half. Like Eustaquio, however, he lost steam in the second half as Morocco took over.

Jon Buchanan — 4/10 (Not rated)

Ali Ahmed — 4/10 (Not rated)

FORWARD

Jonathan David — 3/10

The Juventus forward came with the weight that the nation expected, but his performance was disappointing. Had a great chance early on but was denied by a good save from Bono. By working hard in the press, he was unable to find positions where he caused his greatest damage.

Tani Oluwaseyi — 6/10

He posed a real challenge to Issa Diop and came to the fore early on, winning Canada’s best chance with a brilliant touch before being thwarted by a fine save from Bono. It showed useful drop moves throughout but, perhaps surprisingly, was withdrawn just after the hour mark.