Canada faces Morocco in World Cup Round of 16 with historic stakes Saturday
Canadian men's team battles sixth-ranked Morocco at 1 p.m. in Houston. Morocco on 33-game winning streak; Canada seeking first knockout-stage victory.
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Canada will face its toughest opponent yet on Saturday, July 4, when it takes on sixth-ranked Morocco in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in Houston. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern.
Morocco has broken multiple records at this tournament, becoming the highest-scoring African nation in World Cup history and setting a record for most victories by an African team with eight. The squad is currently on a 33-game winning streak and recently advanced past the Netherlands in a shootout.
Canadian head coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged the challenge, saying preparing for Morocco has been "like a gory, horrible nightmare." However, Marsch does not believe the underdog Canadians should be counted out. "We want to be here and we expect to be here," he said. "We know that everybody's going to write us off and in that is an opportunity."
Canada's path to the Round of 16 marks a historic achievement — their first-ever appearance in the men's World Cup knockout stage. The team defeated South Africa 1-0 on June 28 to advance. Canadian midfielder Alphonso Davies came off the bench in that match and sparked the change that led to the game-winning goal; Marsch has not yet confirmed Davies' role for Saturday.
Canada will wear their all-black kits, in which they remain undefeated during this tournament. Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team respects Canada as an opponent and plans to rest and prepare thoroughly for the match.
