Canada
World CupWhy this tip?
We predicted both teams to find the back of the net in Morocco’s Round of 32 tie with the Netherlands, but I cannot see Canada scoring against Morocco, who are undefeated in over 30 games. Morocco is the better side and should have no problem dealing with Canada. I expect the Atlast Lions to qualify in regulation time, defeating the The Canucks 2 – 0.
Match Preview
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Last 16
- Date: 04 July 2026
- Kick-off time: 12:00 USA (19:00 SA)
- Venue: Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium)
Match details
Canada and Morocco kick off the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, clashing at the Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium) in Houston, Texas. The match is set to take place on the 04th of July 2026, commencing at 12:00 (GMT-5) in Houston, and 19:00 (GMT+2) in South Africa. We are entering the knockout stage of the greatest sporting competition in the world, and if you are enjoying our expert coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head over to our Topbets World Cup predictions page.
Why this match matters
Co-hosts Canada take on African giants Morocco in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a spot in the Quarterfinals. Both teams are in good form and will be eager to qualify for the next round of the World Cup. For Canada, this marks their furthest run in a FIFA World Cup, while Morocco will look to continue their amazing form and improve on their previous World Cup, which saw them reach the semifinal.
Canada will be looking to avenge the previous FIFA World Cup defeat at the hands of Morocco in the group stage, when they lost 2-1. They have improved their team and will face a tired Moroccan side that went the distance against the Netherlands. However, Canada faces the monumental task of defeating Morocco, who are undefeated in their last 33 games across all competitions.
Canada vs Morocco head-to-head stats
Head-to-head record
Canada and Morocco have met twice in their history, with both games occurring within the past decade. Their last 16 encounter is the second time both teams clash in a World Cup, with their last meeting taking place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Morocco leads the head-to-head with two victories (2 – 0 – 0). In their two encounters, Morocco has scored six times, while Canada has scored once. Both matches featured over 2.5 goals, and one saw both teams score. Their two matches included the following details:
- 01/12/2022 (2022 FIFA World Cup): Canada 1 – 2 Morocco
- 11/10/2016 (Friendly International): Morocco 4 – 0 Canada
Canada’s recent form
Canada’s last five matches: DDWLW–
Canada is in good form heading into their second knockout game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their last five matches were against:
- 28/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): South Africa 0 – 1 Canada
- 24/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Switzerland 2 – 1 Canada
- 19/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Canada 6 – 0 Qatar
- 12/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Canada 1 – 1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly International): Canada 1 – 1 Ireland
Canada was in good form heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, undefeated in their last eight matches before the tournament could commence. They had started their World Cup campaign off strongly, picking up a draw in their opener to Bosnia & Herzegovina, before thrashing Qatar. However, picking up a loss to Switzerland in their final home game cost them top spot and a home knockout tie.
Canada managed to win their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout tie against South Africa and will now look to advance to the next round by defeating Morocco. Canada has scored in each of their last five matches, and has scored 10 in total while conceding 4 times. Three matches ended with both sides scoring, while just two matches ended with over 2.5 goals.
Despite Canada’s good form, I have noticed that they have not faced off against a team on Morocco’s level in their recent matches, including their run-in to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their strong defensive showing will be put to the test against a rampant Moroccan side, who will be looking to extend their current unbeaten run.
Morocco’s recent form
Morocco’s last five matches: DDWWD–
Morocco enters their last 16 tie in good form, having won two and drawn three times in their last five outings. Their last five matches were against:
- 30/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Netherlands 1 – 1 Morocco (Morocco won 3 – 2 on Penalties)
- 25/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Morocco 4 – 2 Haiti
- 20/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Scotland 0 – 1 Morocco
- 14/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Brazil 1 – 1 Morocco
- 07/06/2026 (Friendly International): Morocco 1 – 1 Norway
Morocco has been in exceptional form since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is undefeated in their last 33 outings (24 wins, 9 draws). However, despite their great winning form, I have noticed that they have been poor on their defensive transition and have conceded sloppy goals at the back.
Morocco has taken their sublime form into the World Cup, starting with a good draw against five times champs Brazil before putting away Scotland and Tunisia. They continued their form by dominating a lacklustre Dutch side and claimed victory on penalties.
In their last five outings, Morocco has scored 8 goals while conceding 5. Four matches had both teams score, and four matches ended with under 2.5 goals. They have built a reputation as a solid defensive unit, but they can become complacent, as their recent showing against Haiti proves they can have a bad day at the back.
Team news
Canada team news
Injuries: Ismaël Koné (Broken Leg)
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: I am excited to see what Jonathan David will do against a world-class defence like Morocco’s. He is Canada’s primary goal threat, and his elite dribbling and off-the-ball movements have been vital, especially with Canada’s poor record in the final third. Talisman Alphonso Davies has been recovering from a hamstring strain, but his minutes off the bench have shown why he is Canada’s best player. He controls his flank with his quick recovery pace, winning decisive balls in defence, and his elite overlapping runs add depth to Canada’s attack. Captain Stephen Eustáquio is the main player in the Canadian engine room. He provides tactical defensive coverage and quickly transitions the ball to Tajon Buchanan to create goal-scoring opportunities. He serves as the primary outlet to Canada’s attack, utilising his explosive speed to stretch opposition defences. Maxime Crépeau will be crucial in stopping the Moroccan goal threats. His shot-stopping performances have got Canada to the last 16, and he will need to be on his game to stop a clinical Moroccan attack.
Morocco team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Captain Achraf Hakimi anchors the Moroccan backline, and he is fundamental to their attack. His rapid pace and overlapping runs will stretch the Canadian defence, creating chances and opening up the defence for the attack. Ismael Saibari leads the Moroccan attack and is their premier goal threat. He has been monumental to Morocco’s charge and will be crucial in scoring goals once more. Brahim Diaz’s 1v1 dribbling and close control make it difficult to dispossess him of the ball. He should make great use of the spaces behind the defence in their attacking transitions. Yassine Bounou has been pivotal to Morocco’s unbeaten run. I expect him to replicate the world-class saves he made during the group stage and against the Netherlands. Sofyan Amrabat provides the tactical maturity and calm composure that will be critical to neutralise the Canadian counterattack
Predicted lineups
Canada predicted XI
After taking over the helm of the Canadian national football team, I noticed that Jesse Marsch prefers to aggressively press high up the field to win the ball. Canada operates with a fluid 4-4-2 system, prioritising an aggressive high-press design to force quick turnovers. In attack, they transition the ball quickly to their lethal wingers, while their frontmen make runs into open space to create chances. I predict the Canucks starting XI to feature the same players that played against Bafana Bafana:
Maxime Crépeau (G) – Alistair Johnston – Moïse Bombito – Derek Cornelius – Richie Laryea – Tajon Buchanan – Stephen Eustáquio (C) – Nathan Saliba – Jacob Shaffelburg – Jonathan David – Tani Oluwaseyi.
Morocco predicted XI
I have noticed that head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has built his Moroccan side around a defensively solid 4-2-3-1 formation and has not altered Morocco’s defensive approach that saw them reach the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Morocco is more adventurous this time around and has become more fluid with the ball, utilising overlapping runs from their fullbacks and wide rotations to draw out the defence and open up spaces for their strikers. I do not expect any changes to the team that defeated the Netherlands, and I predict the Atlas Lions starting XI to feature:
Yassine Bounou (G) – Achraf Hakimi (C) – Issa Diop – Chadi Riad – Noussair Mazraoui – Neil El Aynaoui – Ayyoub Bouaddi – Brahim Díaz – Azzedine Ounahi – Bilal El Khannouss – Ismael Saibari.
Best betting markets for Canada vs Morocco
Match winner
Prediction: Morocco to win @ 83/100 (2.25) at WSB.
Over/Under goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 7/10 (1.70) at BetXchange.
Both teams to score
Prediction: Both teams to score No @ 73/100 (1.73) at 10Bet.
Anytime goalscorer
Prediction: Ismael Saibary to score anytime @ 13/10 (2.30) at Easybet.
The Round of 16 knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is up and running, and for more insights into the 2026 FIFA World Cup or tips on the daily footie action, check out our Topbets Football Predictions page on our website.
Canada vs Morocco prediction
Best bet
Prediction: Morocco to win @ 83/100 (1.83) at WSB.
Correct score prediction
Prediction: Match to end 2 – 0 to Morocco @ 17/2 (8.50) at WSB.
Match analysis and verdict
Canada and Morocco are in good form and will be looking to book their spot in the quarterfinals. Both teams will continue their newly discovered rivalry for the second FIFA World Cup in a row. After losing in their previous group stage tie at the World Cup, Canada will be looking for payback, but will find it difficult to score against a resilient Moroccan side.
We predicted both teams to find the back of the net in Morocco’s Round of 32 tie with the Netherlands, but I cannot see Canada scoring against Morocco, who are undefeated in over 30 games. Morocco is the better side and should have no problem dealing with Canada. I expect the Atlast Lions to qualify in regulation time, defeating the The Canucks 2 – 0.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
