Introduction
For the first time in their history, Canada have reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. Jesse Marsch's side now face a stern test against a battle-hardened Morocco in the Round of 16. The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists in 2022, are no strangers to the big occasion, setting up a fascinating clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
How to watch and match details
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Kick-off time: 5:00 p. m. local time (BST, ET will vary)
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV channel (UK): ITV1 / STV
Live stream (UK): ITVX / STV Player
US viewers: Broadcast information not yet confirmed.
Referee: To be announced
Group stage recap
Canada topped Group H with a perfect nine points, dispatching Serbia, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. The high-energy pressing system implemented by Jesse Marsch overwhelmed opponents, with speed on the flanks causing constant danger. Morocco, on the other hand, navigated a tricky Group E, finishing behind Brazil but ahead of Belgium and South Korea, with a historic victory over the five-time champions being the standout result.
Team news and predicted lineups
Canada are expected to be at full strength, with star man Alphonso Davies leading the attack. The Bayern Munich winger has been in sparkling form, while Jonathan David will look to add to his three World Cup goals. Morocco, meanwhile, will rely on the pace of Achraf Hakimi down the right and the physical presence of Youssef En-Nesyri up front.
Predicted Canada XI (4-3-3): Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Adekugbe; Osorio, Eustaquio, Kaye; Buchanan, David, Davies.
Predicted Morocco XI (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, El Khannous; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.
Tactical preview
Marsch's Red Bull-inspired high press will be put to the test by Morocco's technical midfield. Canada must be wary of the counter-attacking threat posed by Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech. The Atlas Lions' defensive solidity was on show in their group-stage win over Brazil, underlining their pedigree.
Canada's direct running and set-piece prowess could prove decisive. Six of their nine group-stage goals came from dead-ball situations, a weapon they'll look to exploit against a disciplined Moroccan backline.
Star men under the spotlight
While Davies and David grab the headlines for Canada, midfield metronome Stephen Eustaquio has been the engine, dictating tempo and breaking up play. For Morocco, the experience of Sofyan Amrabat anchoring the midfield and the wizardry of Hakim Ziyech offer a blend of grit and flair that could unlock even the tightest defence.
Key Takeaways
- Canada are appearing in the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time, while Morocco reached the semi-finals in 2022.
- The match will be played at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, with a capacity crowd expected.
- ITV will broadcast the game live in the UK, with streaming available on ITVX. US broadcaster details are still to be confirmed.
- Alphonso Davies and Achraf Hakimi – two of the world's elite full-backs – could decide the contest.
- A tight, nervy affair is anticipated, with Canada potentially edging it 2-1 after extra time.
Quick Facts
Canada's World Cup record: First knockout appearance in three attempts
Morocco's World Cup record: Semi-finalists in 2022, Round of 16 in 1986
Head-to-head: Only one previous meeting – a 4-0 friendly win for Morocco in 2016
Canada's top scorer: Jonathan David (3 goals)
Morocco's top scorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (2 goals)
Prediction: Canada 2-1 Morocco (after extra time)
