Canada’s Historic Run Meets Morocco’s World Cup Experience
(image via AP Photo/Sofia Yaker)
Houston will host its final game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Canada takes on Morocco today in the Round of 16. Canada took down South Africa with a goal in second half stoppage time to advance from the Round of 32. Morocco needed penalty kicks to get by Netherlands in its Round of 32 match.
When: Saturday, July 4 | 12:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Houston Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Fox, Telemundo
Uncharted Territory
The 2026 World Cup has been a tournament of firsts for Canada. They picked up their first point and first win during the group stage and advanced to the knockout round for the first time ever. Their win over South Africa was the Canucks’ first knockout round win and now they arrive for the first time in the Round of 16. The co-hosts of this tournament lost their homefield advantage after finishing second in the group and had to travel to Los Angeles and now Houston in the knockouts. All three of Canada’s options at forward in Jonathan David, Promise David, and Cyle Larin have delivered during this tournament and look for them to be counted on today if the Canadians are to pull off the upset. The big question for Canada, how much can star left back Alphonso Davies play?
Doing it Again
Morocco made a memorable Cinderella run to the semifinal of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and they’re back looking to go even further in 2026. The Atlas Lions are now ranked 7th in the FIFA World Rankings and aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. With the leadership of PSG right back Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as the best in the world at his position, and the attacking prowess of newly-signed Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari, Morocco have talent all over the field. This Morocco side boast a lot of experience from that run in 2022 and could give them a big advantage over the Canadian side who have never been this far before.
Houston’s Legacy
It’s a bit sad that this is the final match in Houston of this 2026 World Cup but all good things must come to an end. The city has impressed visitors from the stadium to the hospitality and food. It should come as no surprise to anyone that Houston is a huge soccer city. Just look at the sell-out crowds at Shell Energy Stadium for Mexico watch parties. Now that the World Cup is leaving town it’s important to keep this momentum going. From the Dynamo and Dash, to college teams, to the youth levels, continue to get out and support soccer across the Bayou City and let’s take the sport to the next level here in Houston.
