Morocco ends Canada's FIFA 2026 Journey

I watched my first and last FIFA 2026 match today. Canada versus Morocco. We were going to go to Surrey Central beside City Hall but it was a tiny venue with a long line so we went to the Langley Events centre. 

Before I cry the blues I just want to say to team Canada well done and a big thank you to their American coach Jesse Marsch. We went further this time than last time and last time was the furthest we've ever been. 

I knew Morocco was good but we did have our hopes up. Canada was in control of the ball in their zone pretty much the entire first half. They got a million corner kicks but just weren't able to capitalize on them. 

After a scoreless first half Morocco was first to score in the second half. It was their second shot on net. Somewhat embarrassing but it shows that Canada was right in there. After that the tempo greatly increased. Morocco scored again which was pretty much the nail in the coffin but Canada didn't let up. 

One of the commentators was surprised Canada was pouring it on in the last few minutes of stoppage time thinking they still had a chance. I think we just wanted to get on the scoreboard. With all the pressure on their end, Morrocoy got a break away and scored a third time right before the end of the match but the score did not reflect the overall shots on net. 

ESPN is reporting that "For context, the North African side won despite having just five shots, which is the fewest by a winning team in the World Cup knockout rounds since such records began back in 1966."

Canada's captain Alphonso Davies was injured and had he been on the field there's no doubt he would have been able to turn all that dominance in front of their net into goals. The ref was handing out a bit too many yellow cards in the beginning but there was one case when a Morocco player did a bit of a dirty rear tackle on a Canadian player. 

Then the Canadian player got right in his face ready to fight as if to say WTF? They both got yellow cards for that but the commentator observed how fearless the younger Canadians were against older more experienced players. He was like I don't give a f*ck who you are and rightfully so. Although Morocco isn't very well known for soccer they do have some experienced players that play in the European league during the year. Bottom line is that although it was a disappointment they did well and next year will be even better.