Canada take on Morocco in the first match of the last-16 as they look to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the very first time.
Jesse Marsch and his ‘Canadian heroes’ have already made history by reaching the last-16 thanks to a 1-0 victory over South Africa last Sunday. Stephen Eustaquio scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute to send Canada through and there are positive signs that they can impress in Houston today.
But, Morocco are full of confidence having come through a group that included Brazil before defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during the round of 32. That was a dramatic turnaround as well after Issa Diop cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s strike to send the game to extra time.
The Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout to advance but how will they fare against the co-hosts?
Follow all the updates from Canada v Morocco with our live blog:
Line-ups incoming!
For any predictions we might have, the official starting line-ups will be announced VERY shortly, so don’t go anywhere!
Morocco team news and predicted line-up
Chadi Riad was forced off for Morocco against the Netherlands but is in line to start.
There are no injury concerns.
Predicted Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Canada team news and predicted line-up
Alphonso Davies was able to feature off the bench for Canada in their round of 16 tie, and could press for increased involvement here.
It may be that he is kept to an impact role as a substitute after real injury woe in the last couple of years.
Predicted Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Oluwaseyi.
Unsavoury scenes in Netherlands after loss to Morocco
When Morocco knocked out Netherlands in the last 32, police clashed with Dutch supporters in the Hague.
The Dutch city saw sporadic unrest in areas with a significant Moroccan community. Police in the Hague reported that “heavy fireworks were set off” in the Schilderswijk district, with officers being targeted by fireworks and stones.
How Canada reached the last 16
Our man Kieran Jackson was on the ground in Los Angeles to see Canada’s last-32 win over South Africa:
“When Canada’s concluding moment does eventually arrive this summer, Stephen Eustaquio would be forgiven for not wanting to leave the bright sunshine of California.
“The Canadian midfielder, contracted to Porto, joined Los Angeles FC in February on a four-month loan deal, desperately hunting minutes on the pitch ahead of the World Cup.
“A much-admired member of the squad, Eustaquio tragically lost his mother to brain cancer in April 2023 and his father to a heart attack one year later.
“Now, the 29-year-old is the match-winner in his new home away from home, sending his country through to the last-16 with a dramatic stoppage-time strike.”
All Morocco results so far
Group stage
Morocco 1-1 Brazil
Morocco 1-0 Scotland
Morocco 4-2 Haiti
Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (MAR win on pens)
All Canada results so far
Group stage
Canada 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Canada 6-0 Qatar
Canada 1-2 Switzerland
Canada 1-0 South Africa
All World Cup last-16 games
Canada v Morocco – 6pm BST today
Paraguay v France – 10pm BST today
Brazil v Norway – 9pm BST Sunday
Mexico v England – 1am BST Monday
Portugal v Spain – 8pm BST Monday
USA v Belgium – 1am BST Tuesday
Argentina v Egypt – 5pm BST Tuesday
Switzerland v Colombia 9pm BST Tuesday
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