Co-hosts Canada struggled in front of goal in their last 32 tie against South Africa, but secured a 1-0 win in stoppage time to set up a date with Morocco in the last 16.
Canada only won one of their group games, thrashing Qatar 6-0 following their 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina, and were beaten by Switzerland in their final match.
Many expected Canada to ease past a South Africa side that struggled in the group stage, but Bafana Bafana played a very defensive game that almost worked out in their favour, until Stephen Eustáquio's excellent strike deservedly won the game for the more attacking Canadians.
Morocco performed very well during the group stage and are yet to taste defeat at the 2026 World Cup. After opening with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, the North Africans then went on to beat Scotland and Haiti, before knocking the much-fancied Dutch out in the last 32 in a tense penalty shootout.
Morocco always play to win, and their 'never give up' attitude helped earn them a stoppage-time equaliser against the Netherlands, which eventualy lead to their progression into the last 16. Morocco created more goalscoring opportunities against Holland and dominated possession, so on the balance of play, they were the deserved winners.
With Morocco facing a tougher route to the last 16, having a better squad on paper, and the experience of reaching the semi-finals at the last World Cup, we're backing the North Africans to come out on top against Canada.
One particular player that has stood out for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup is their captain, Achraf Hakimi. Despite playing at right-back, Hakimi has been involved in so many of Morocco's attacks, claiming one goal and one assist so far in the tournament.
The PSG star has taken more shots than anyone else for his country and has the joint-highest number of shots on target. We're expecting Hakimi to cause the Canada defence all sorts of problems in Houston, and have backed the 27-year-old to either score or claim an assist in this last 16 clash.
Despite only featuring in 18 league games and 13 European matches for his club side PSG last season, Hakimi managed to score three goals and provide eight assists for a team that went on to claim the Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.
This match could be a close one; Canada have plenty of skill in attack, but Morocco are the better team on paper and have more experience in their back pocket, so we're predicting a win for the North African's and for Hakimi to play a starring role once again.
Canada 1-2 Morocco
