All three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup have safely made it through the group stage but now the real test starts from this point on. Canada, who finished second in their group and edged past South Africa in the Round of 32, take on Morocco for a place in the quarter finals.

Managed by Mohamed Ouahbim, captained by Achraf Hakimi and sitting sixth in the FIFA world ranking, the Atlas Lions are by far the strongest opponents that Canada will have faced so far during the tournament.

With that in mind, Canada coach Jesse Marsch will field his usual 4-4-2 formation, designed to stifle Morocco in midfield. No big changes are expected - up front, Jonathan David, who is the team’s top scorer with three goals, will start. He will be partnered by Tani Oluwaseyi or Cyle Larin - both of whom will bring aerial strength.

Across the midfield, the only question mark is whether Liam Millar will start ahead of Ali Ahmed. The back four remains unchanged - Luc De Fougerolles, Alistair Johnston and Derek Cornelius all picked up bookings during the group stage but can relax with the slate wiped clean from the knockout round.

Canada’s starting XI against Morocco at World Cup 2026

Crépeau; Laryea, Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Johnston; Ahmed, Koné, Eustaquio (c), Buchanan; David, Larin.

Today’s game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston with kick-off scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

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