Co-hosts Canada are out of the World Cup after Morocco clinched an emphatic 3-0 win in the last-16 in Houston.
A brilliant double from Azzedine Ounahi and a late strike from Soufiane Rahimi proved enough to put the Atlas Lions safely into the quarter-finals to face either France or Paraguay.
Jesse Marsch described his players as ‘Canadian heroes’ and his side started brightly with Jonathan David forcing Bono into a fine stop early before Tani Oluwaseyi squandered an excellent chance.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side then suffered a major blow with Ismael Saibari going down with injury and the star striker was forced off after 22 minutes, with Rahimi replacing the Bayern Munich-bound forward.
Ounahi’s crisp finish broke the deadlock though and despite Marsch’s side hitting back in the second half, the Girona midfielder doubled his side’s lead. Morocco then had a third through Rahimi to add some gloss to the scoreline. Follow all the latest reaction from Canada v Morocco in our live blog below:
Canada v Morocco live
- Canada take on Morocco in the World Cup round of 16 | Live on ITV1
- Winner of this match will face France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals
- 90+8' GOAL! Rahimi rounds out another counter to complete victory [CAN 0-3 MAR]
- 82' GOAL! Ounahi finishes off quick counter to double his tally and the lead [CAN 0-2 MAR]
- 50' GOAL! Ounahi slots ball into bottom corner after clever free-kick [CAN 0-1 MAR]
- 40' FIGHT! Hakimi and Laryea booked after needing to be separated following shove
- 23' INJURY! Striker Saibari goes off for Morocco in major blow, with Rahimi replacing him
- Alphonso Davies fails to start for Canada after coming off the bench vs South Africa
- Why has Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi been booed at this World Cup?
What a spell for Morocco
21:23 , Alex Pattle
World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, champions of Africa this winter (one way or another), and World Cup quarter-finalists this summer.
What a period for the nation.
Morocco’s results at the World Cup so far
21:14 , Alex Pattle
Group stage
1-1 v Brazil
1-0 v Scotland
4-2 v Haiti
Knockouts
1-1 v Netherlands (won 3-2 on penalties)
3-0 v Canada
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
21:07 , Alex Pattle
The remaining last-16 games
20:58 , Alex Pattle
France v Paraguay
Brazil v Norway
Mexico v England
Portugal v Spain
USA v Belgium
Argentina v Egypt
Switzerland v Colombia
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:51 , Alex Pattle
Man of the match? Forget about it
20:44 , Alex Pattle
You’d expect Ounahi, who scored twice today, to be given man of the match – sorry, “superior player of the match” – but you really can’t be sure at the moment.
Here’s Alan Smith on how Fifa made the award a farce at this World Cup:
How Fifa’s bewildering World Cup award has distorted football reality
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:37 , Alex Pattle
One co-host down, two left
20:32 , Alex Pattle
So, Canada’s run as co-hosts comes to an end – in Texas, oddly – but there are two co-hosts left.
Both have tricky tests next, though.
Mexico take on England on Monday (1am BST), and USA play Belgium on Tuesday (1am BST).
Still, Mexico have a big advantage in their game, playing England at altitude in Mexico City.
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:27 , Alex Pattle
Jesse Marsch speaks on his Canada side's exit
20:23 , Alex Pattle
“Always it’s about... in the biggest games, in the biggest moments, how much can we be ourselves?
“How much can we show belief? How much can we go after the game? How much can we test the opponent? How much can we put the game on our terms? We did that, we did that.
“Across the pitch, we had 11 incredible performances in the first half. We were unlucky not to get the lead; we should’ve been on top of the game, we should’ve had the lead.
“And then it’s the fine details, right? Like, do we need to follow on the sideline, and then dealing with the set-piece – but again, they have quality, they have players that play at a big level.
“But in terms of how we played, the match plan that we wanted to play, sticking to who we wanted to be... what an incredible performance.”
Jesse Marsch on what he learned about his #CANMNT squad at the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/O5GvmyYwUI
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 4, 2026
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:18 , Alex Pattle
If France get past Paraguay tonight, then it’ll be Les Bleus vs Morocco in the quarter-finals – a rematch of one of the 2022 semi-finals.
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:13 , Alex Pattle
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:09 , Alex Pattle
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:05 , Alex Pattle
And there’s confirmation!
Morocco are the tournament’s first quarter-finalists, and France or Paraguay await next.
We’ll be providing live coverage of that game tonight, so stay with us at The Independent.
GOAL! Canada 0-3 Morocco (Rahimi, 98')
20:04 , Alex Pattle
90+8 mins: Game. Over.
It’s similar to the second goal: Morocco counter in such clinical fashion, and Diaz provides the assist again.
It’s a low effort by Rahimi that beats Crepeau, with the ball rolling into the bottom corner – and sealing Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals.
Canada 0-2 Morocco
20:01 , Alex Pattle
90+7 mins: A chaotic move. The free-kick is laid off then smashed goalwards, deflected wide to Shaffelburg, he crosses it low and hard, and it bounces around before a lobbed half-volley hands Morocco a goal kick.
Canada 0-2 Morocco
20:00 , Alex Pattle
90+6 mins: Shaffelburg wins a corner after a deflected shot from out on the left.
It’s played short to Shaffelburg, whose cross is too high for his goalkeeper Crepeau, who is up for the second time in a couple of minutes!
He has to sprint back to the Canada goal now.
Shaffelburg wins a foul just outside the Morocco box.
Canada 0-2 Morocco
19:56 , Alex Pattle
90+2 mins: Eight minutes of added time to come.
It surely won’t be enough for Canada, although we saw a miracle for Belgium against Senegal...
Canada are knocking, to be fair.
Canada 0-2 Morocco
19:53 , Alex Pattle
88 mins: Canada substitute Promise David clatters into a leaping Bounou – they both go down in pain.
Buchanan and Sigur are off; Nelson and Osorio are on for Canada.
Ounahi and Diop go off for Morocco; Saadane and El Mourabet come on.
Canada 0-2 Morocco
19:50 , Alex Pattle
86 mins: Crossbar!
With Canada now desperately trying to get a goal back, Bounou hurls the ball to launch a Morocco counter, and it ends with a clipped cross from Ounahi to Rahimi...
Who heads the ball against the bar! It bounces down but NOT quite over the line!
Canada 0-2 Morocco
19:49 , Alex Pattle
GOAL! Canada 0-2 Morocco (Ounahi, 82')
19:46 , Alex Pattle
82 mins: Morocco with a clinical counter, and it ends with a cutback to Ounahi just inside the box...
He slams a shot into the top corner!! Game over.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:44 , Alex Pattle
80 mins: The poor corner fails to beat the first man.
Still no sign of Davies, actually, although he seemed like he might come on a few minutes ago.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:43 , Alex Pattle
79 mins: Buchanan rifles a shot from long range, and it bounces in front of Bounou, who leaps to his side and palms it out for a corner!
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:42 , Alex Pattle
78 mins: Eustaquio is pulled down by Amrabat while trying to shoot on the edge of the box! Foul, but JUST outside the area, so a free-kick – not a penalty.
David takes it...
But he clips it over the bar.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:40 , Alex Pattle
76 mins: Canada are probing, but without enough substance at the moment.
They’re running out of time to save their World Cup.
Morocco fans are whistling during Canadian possession... now singing.
Davies is going to come on, around the same minute that he did against South Africa.
There was a late win for Canada in that game; can it be the same here? Or at least a draw in normal time?
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:38 , Alex Pattle
72 mins: Another hydration break has come and gone. One fewer left in this tournament, a shame. It’s like when you wake up the morning after Christmas and think: huh, I’ve only got ‘X’ many left.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:32 , Alex Pattle
68 mins: Bounou boots the ball clear in his own box, under real pressure from Larin, who is bearing down on him at pace!
Larin takes him out, and he’s the latest in a long line of players to be booked in this game.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:30 , Alex Pattle
66 mins: Bombita challenges Rahimi, who goes down with a clear patch of glass in front of him – and a sight of the Canada goal.
Referee Michael Oliver waves play on.
SUBS! Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:28 , Alex Pattle
64 mins: Morocco’s El Khannouss and Bouaddi are replaced by Talbi and Amrabat.
For Canada, Oluwaseyi is taken off, as Larin comes on.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:24 , Alex Pattle
61 mins: Buchanan goes down while surging through the Morocco box, after a shove in the back from Halhal, but offside is given.
Had there been no offside, that probablyyyy would’ve been a penalty...
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:23 , Alex Pattle
60 mins: Morocco’s corner amounts to nothing in the end.
Canada’s turn for a corner, such is the dynamic of this game.
Eustaquio’s delivery leads to some pinball at the back post, then a clearance from Halhal, giving Canada a throw-in.
No prizes for guessing who will take it, and take it long: Johnston.
Headed away.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:19 , Alex Pattle
56 mins: Oluwaseyi’s cutback into the Morocco box is cleared. Morocco break, with Diaz’s low cross deflected out for a corner.
High, high pace here.
Canada 0-1 Morocco
19:17 , Alex Pattle
53 mins: David with a decent run, and he gets just inside the Morocco box before he’s blocked off.
Morocco counter and Hakimi similarly gets to the edge of the box, but he’s dispossessed well!
Canada counter now, end-to-end stuff...
GOAL! Canada 0-1 Morocco (Ounahi, 50')
19:15 , Alex Pattle
50 mins: Deadlock broken!!!
A well-worked free-kick! It’s taken near the Canada box and is squared to Ounahi, who slots the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Morocco lead!
Canada 0-0 Morocco
19:13 , Alex Pattle
50 mins: Eustaquio takes it short and trades it with Buchanan briefly, before the ball is clipped into the box, where De Fougerolles’s header is thwarted.
He then commits a foul as Morocco break. A third yellow card for Canada.
Seven overall now.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
19:12 , Alex Pattle
48 mins: Ounahi bends the ball out to Hakimi on the right flank, where he’s denied a run into the box by Laryea – his sparring partner from the first half.
Throw-in. A cross attempt ensues, and Laryea blocks again for another throw.
Soon it’s Canada’s turn to attack, but Oluwaseyi dwells on the ball a little long in the box. Still, he wins a corner.
BACK UNDER WAY! Canada 0-0 Morocco
19:10 , Alex Pattle
46 mins: Off we go again.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
19:07 , Alex Pattle
Predictions for the second half? Surely Morocco’s quality will tell eventually, but there have been very few signs of that yet...
Also, their four yellow cards could haunt them. Canada have two, as well.
HALF-TIME! Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:53 , Alex Pattle
45+6 mins: El Khannouss is booked! That’s four of the Morocco players on a yellow card going into the second half.
He gets one for blocking De Fougerolles, with their knees clashing and a hand in the face, too.
The half-time whistle sounds.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:51 , Alex Pattle
45+5 mins: Morocco counter, and they briefly look dangerous, but they work the ball too awkwardly out to the left, labouring a bit. One pass finally ends up behind the intended man, and the move breaks down.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:50 , Alex Pattle
45+3 mins: We’re halfway through the six minutes of added time.
The game has become quite bitty now. Another Johnston throw leads to a few loose headers, before Sigur commits a foul on Halhal by the corner flag.
It sounds like someone is shouting, “You’re serious?! You’re serious?”, John McEnroe style – it mighttttt be Canada’s (American) coach Jesse Marsch, but I can’t be sure!
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:47 , Alex Pattle
45 mins: David is now booked for Canada, joining Laryea.
Soon thereafter, Ounahi gets a yellow card – following Hakimi and Halhal’s earlier.
That’s five bookings overall. Something to keep an eye on in the second half...
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:42 , Alex Pattle
40 mins: Uh-oh, uh-oh. There are some unsavoury scenes now, with referee Michael Oliver trying to get ahold of the game.
Hakimi shoved Laryea in the back as the Canadian was sprinting along, sending his opposite full back tumbling to the turf.
Laryea took exception to that, and now some players need separating.
Hakimi is barking at Ahmed. Hakimi is eventually given a yellow card, as is Laryea.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:39 , Alex Pattle
38 mins: Johnston with a long throw, not for the first time today, and the ball changes possession numerous times in a frantic fallout.
Another Canadian foul, as Mazraoui goes down under a challenge from Bombito while trying to break for Morocco.
Mazraoui stays down for a while but looks okay to continue.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:37 , Alex Pattle
36 mins: Mazraoui gets an elbow in the head from his teammate Halhal, who is also jumping for the ball, and it ricochets out for another Canada corner.
It skims off a head and leads to some pinball in the box, before Morocco draw a foul. Relief.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:33 , Alex Pattle
31 mins: I wouldn’t put this game down as one in which the hydration break has swung the momentum.
Canada are still pressing well, and Morocco are still giving the ball away as a result.
Obviously Canada would love a goal as reward for that, though, before half-time.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:31 , Alex Pattle
29 mins: A better spell of possession by Morocco here. They’ve been trying the odd long, low ball, trying to catch out a slightly high Canadian back line.
Their first chance in a while comes from a turnover in possession, though, and a short pass into Rahimi, whose low shot is saved fairly comfortably by Crepeau.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:25 , Alex Pattle
24 mins: Hydration break time. Marsch gives his Canadian players an animated talk.
SUB! Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:23 , Alex Pattle
23 mins: This is a HUGE blow for Morocco. Their striker Ismael Saibari, who has been so good at this tournament, is down for a while in some discomfort, and it’s eventually deemed that he can’t continue.
He’s replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:22 , Alex Pattle
21 mins: First booking of the game, as Halhal steps on the foot of Oluwaseyi while they jostle along the sideline.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:20 , Alex Pattle
19 mins: Halhal with a great sliding challenge to stop the onrushing Buchanan in the Morocco box. The ball goes out for a corner – Canada’s fourth so far.
Eustaquio chips it in and Johnston meets it with his head, but he can only nod it down, and it’s booted away.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:17 , Alex Pattle
16 mins: Ounahi tries to slide a low ball through the Canada back line, but the referee blows his whistle; Hakimi was blocked and fouled by the sideline as he tried to surge forward.
Again, Morocco use the set-piece near the halfway line to pass the ball backwards and try to keep possession.
I get the idea to take the sting out of the game, but they could have sent that into the box and looked to test Canada for the first time today.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:15 , Alex Pattle
14 mins: Morocco need to settle down. They lose the ball in their own half AGAIN, this time right on the edge of their box.
But they’re able to regain it and clear, depriving Ahmed and Eustaqui, who are lurking in dangerous positions.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:13 , Alex Pattle
12 mins: Another loose moment in the Morocco half, and Canada pick up the ball with tons of space ahead!
Ahmed feeds it into Oluwaseyi, who turns wonderfully on the edge of the box, deceiving his man, but his low shot is kept out by the outstretched leg of Bounou!
Fun, fun start.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:09 , Alex Pattle
8 mins: Another corner, and there’s some aerial pinball in the Morocco box!
Bounou punches away the loose ball, then Eustaquio slides a clever pass towards the byline where the ball is crossed in again, but Morocco clear.
Good start by Canada! Can they keep this up?
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:07 , Alex Pattle
7 mins: Bounou beats away the corner, which could have crept under his crossbar.
Canada get ahold of the loose ball, chipping it into the box, where it’s nodded on to David...
He’s one-on-one with Bounou, but the angle isn’t kind for the Canadian, and Bounou saves his close-range shot.
Corner again, headed away this time.
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:05 , Alex Pattle
5 mins: Buchanan fouls Ounahi now, after the Morocco man beats him one-on-one, up the line.
Morocco are happy to use the free-kick to simply keep possession and slowly work the ball forward.
But they’re caught out near the halfway line, and Canada move the ball out left and then win a corner!
Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:03 , Alex Pattle
2 mins: Canada are pressing fairly keenly early on, testing how well Morocco can hold the ball.
The co-hosts even win a free-kick after gaining possession then drawing a foul by the sideline, near the halfway line.
They boot it long... out for a Morocco throw, now.
KICK-OFF! Canada 0-0 Morocco
18:02 , Alex Pattle
Houston, we have lift-off!
Canada v Morocco seconds away
18:00 , Alex Pattle
The teams are on the pitch!
17:57 , Alex Pattle
Here we go, people.
Is Canada’s run about to come to an end? Are one of the co-hosts about to go... well, home actually, given they’re playing in Texas here!
Or can they upset Morocco, the champions of Africa?
We’re about to find out!
Canada v Morocco predictions?
17:48 , Alex Pattle
How do you see this one shaking out?
I personally see a fairly comfortable win for Morocco, after some flashes of danger from Canada (and a whole lot of heart, without wanting to sound patronising).
Let’s say Canada 0-2 Morocco.
Canada v Morocco edging closer
17:40 , Alex Pattle
Canada v Morocco edging closer
17:32 , Alex Pattle
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi making his way onto the pitch to warm up!
The five hours of chaos surrounding England’s World Cup tie that exposed Fifa’s lack of leadership
17:24 , Miguel Delaney
As Gianni Infantino stood beaming in the Miami stands on an unforgettable night at the World Cup, posing for selfies amid celebrities at the unforgettable Argentina vs Cape Verde match, it was hard not to wonder whether he should have been more focused on what Fifa are actually supposed to be about: running football tournaments.
Because, over five needlessly chaotic hours on Friday, they almost failed at the basics of that: confirming a kick-off time for a football match.
The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.
Full story:
The five hours of World Cup chaos that exposed Fifa’s lack of leadership
Think Jesse Marsch is performative? Canada’s commander-in-chief has a message for you
17:16 , Kieran Jackson
After Canada’s second of six goals against Qatar, head coach Jesse Marsch unlocked what was depicted online as a “generational meme.” Running down the sideline, smoothly punching the air with his right hand as if he were an over-excited DJ at the decks in Ibiza, it is rather obvious that Marsch cares little for what people think about him. And against South Africa, he made it known beyond doubt.
Minutes after Stephen Eustaquio’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time sent Canada through to the last-16, Marsch gathered his 26 players and backroom staff in a small circle on the pitch. Adorned in a Team Canada sweater – with a flag the American would later kiss in celebration – Marsch told his team that they had become “Canadian heroes” after a first-ever World Cup knockout win.
It was Marsch-ism at his finest; something out of an “All or Nothing” documentary in real-time. Like him or loathe him, the former Leeds man is a coach who truly believes in the power of unity, passion and togetherness beyond any spiel of footballing tactics or formations. And questioned about the speech in his post-match press conference, Marsch had a message for the naysayers...
More here:
Think Jesse Marsch is performative? The Canada manager has a message for you
T-minus 50 minutes until kick-off!
17:10 , Alex Pattle
The first round-of-16 game of this World Cup is edging closer!
T-minus 50 minutes in Houston, Texas.
Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?
16:58 , Alex Pattle
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been booed during Morocco’s World Cup games after it was announced he will stand trial in a rape case.
Hours before Morocco’s game against Scotland on 19 June, a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case.
The PSG defender, who was part of the French side’s Champions League glory in May, had appealed a February decision by an investigative judge.
That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial.
He denies any wrongdoing.
Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?
Alphonso Davies fails to start
16:48 , Alex Pattle
So, there’s no starting place for Canada captain Alphonso Davies, despite his cameo off the bench against South Africa.
Coming on with 15 minutes to go in that late win, Davies was thought of as a potential starter against Morocco.
However, the full back still isn’t quite fit enough to begin this game.
CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!
16:39 , Alex Pattle
Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Bombito; Laryea; Buchanan, Sigur, Eustaquio, Ahmed; David, Oluwaseyi.
Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Line-ups incoming!
16:29 , Alex Pattle
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
16:23 , Alex Pattle
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
16:19 , Alex Pattle
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
16:13 , Alex Pattle
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.
Violence erupts in the Netherlands after dramatic World Cup defeat by Morocco
How Canada reached the last 16
16:07 , Alex Pattle
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.”
Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts
All Morocco results so far
15:58 , Alex Pattle
Group stage
Morocco 1-1 Brazil
Morocco 1-0 Scotland
Morocco 4-2 Haiti
Last 32
Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (MAR win on pens)
All Canada results so far
15:50 , Alex Pattle
Group stage
Canada 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Canada 6-0 Qatar
Canada 1-2 Switzerland
Last 32
Canada 1-0 South Africa
All World Cup last-16 games
15:42 , Alex Pattle
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
‘I was at Mexico ‘86 – you could sense the history’: Meet the photographer who took most-liked Instagram photo ever | Kieran Jackson
15:36 , Kieran Jackson
It feels like something of a contradiction for a professional photographer not to be on the world’s most-popular photo-sharing platform, but it was actually a few days after the moment had passed before Shaun Botterill was told of the significance of a simple push of his finger.
Stationed at the end of the Lusail Stadium packed with Argentina supporters at the 2022 World Cup final, Lionel Messi has just led his country to world football’s most prestigious prize and claimed the piece of silverware he has most desired. A jigsaw has its final piece, the trophy has been lifted and Messi, with a smile as wide as Qatar itself, is making his way over to Argentina’s euphoric fanbase.
Meet the World Cup photographer who took the most-liked Instagram photo ever
Morocco's early team news
15:30 , Mike Jones
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's early team news
15:24 , Mike Jones
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.
Who will the winner face next?
15:18 , Mike Jones
It will be France or Paraguay next up for the successful side.
How can I watch it?
15:12 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage from 5.15pm BST on the channel. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
When is Canada vs Morocco?
15:06 , Mike Jones
Canada vs Morocco is due to kick off at 6pm BST on Saturday 4 July at the Houston Stadium.
Canada v Morocco
15:00 , Mike Jones
The World Cup round of 16 begins with co-hosts Canada taking on a Morocco side eyeing another deep tournament run.
Semi-finalists four years ago, the north African nation are building well again after coming through a nerve-jangling penalty shootout with the Netherlands in the last round.
Things were tense, too, for Canada, with a 1-0 win over South Africa hard earned and only secured in stoppage time thanks to Stephen Eustaquio’s goal.
Can they keep their run going and set up a quarter-final against France or Paraguay?
Good afternoon!
13:31 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s World Cup action as the round of 16 begins.
Co-hosts Canada take on Morocco in the first match in what should be a fascinating encounter to determine if Jesse Marsch’s men can compete with the African champions.
We’ll have all the team news and updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 6pm.
FULL TIME: Canada 0-3 Morocco
20:16 , Alex Pattle
