I’d rather be us than them: Ecstatic Marsch after Morocco beat Canada

Canada’s 2026 World Cup trip ended with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in Houston on Saturday, July 4, but head coach Jesse Marsch refused to let the score overshadow his team’s performance. The Canadian boss said he would “rather us than them” and insisted his players stayed true to their attacking identity despite Morocco’s clinical second-half display.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada vs Morocco: Highlights

The result sends Morocco into the quarter-finals against either France or Paraguay as they continue their quest to equal or better their historic semi-final run from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“We went after the game. We didn’t play defensively. We showed we can be better,” Marsch said after the loss. “Obviously we have to be more and more in those situations and then we have to find ways to succeed. But what a great team. I’d rather be us than them, as good as Morocco is. I’m really proud of our guys. It hurts right now, but oh my god, I couldn’t be prouder. Canada, thank you. Thank you Canada.”

Canada got off to a great start in Houston, forcing Morocco goalkeeper Yassin Bounou into two important early saves through Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi. However, Morocco took control after the break as Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed a 3-0 victory in stoppage time.

Despite the score, Marsch was focused on the progress Canada has made and the identity his side showed against one of the tournament favorites.

Marsch reflected on Canada’s performance. incredible performance.”

THE MOROCCO MARCH CONTINUES

Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi celebrates after the match (Photo Reuters)

Morocco showed again why they remain one of the most dangerous knockout teams in international football. After reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side booked another World Cup quarter-final with a clinical second-half display.

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Achraf Hakimi disguised a wide free-kick into the path of Ounahi, who finished superbly into the bottom corner. Canada continued to push for an equalizer but Brahim Diaz sparked a devastating counterattack that allowed Ounahi to complete his brace eight minutes from time before Rahimi added a third deep into the break.

Hakimi also made history by recording his third World Cup assist, the most by any African player in the competition’s history. Ounahi became the first Moroccan player since Salaheddine Bassir in 1998 to score twice in a World Cup match, underscoring Morocco’s growing pedigree on the biggest stage.

For Canada, the defeat marked the end of a memorable tournament, although they extended their winless record against Morocco to five games (one draw, four defeats). While the co-hosts bowed out, Marsch’s post-match remarks reflected a belief that Canada’s proactive approach and competitiveness provide a solid foundation ahead of future major tournaments.

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Published on:

05 Jul 2026 01:34 IST