Category: FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana

Colombia kept their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Ghana to advance to the Round of 16. With a commanding display over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium, they demonstrated they might be tough tournament rivals.

Ahead of Portugal, they topped Group K and turned too hard for the Black Stars. First-half scorer Jhon Arias guarantees a following round match against Switzerland.

Ghana’s Thomas Partey almost scored early with a long shot, but Colombia rapidly gained control, motivated by their encouraging supporters. Rising down the right side, Luis Suarez, who took over for the hurt Jhon Cordoba, set up Arias for a flawless corner net finish.

Ghana was fortunate at halftime not to be down by more goals. From inside the box, Luis Diaz missed an opportunity and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made an excellent save against Johan Mojica’s header.

Though it was rejected for a tight offside, Diaz scored in the 56th minute. Later, when he aimed right at Ati-Zigi when he was uninvited in the box, he lost yet another opportunity.

Colombia was content with one goal as their defence remained impenetrable, and Ghana was not permitted any shots on target. Targeting a quarter-finals berth against Switzerland, Colombia will compete again on July 7 in Vancouver.

With their movement and passing, I believe Colombia controlled the game more effectively. This wore us down and made it challenging to pick up the ball and advance. Though we pushed with heart and worked to generate opportunities, our last passes fell short of the standard necessary in this game. Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, said that the better team generally won.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Colombia goal: Arias (14)

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Argentina escape Cape Verde upset to reach the last 16

Cape Verde’s coach, Edro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, expressed pride after their narrow 3-2 loss to the World Champions, Argentina, in extra time at the Miami Stadium.

“We showed what our country stands for. We drew with the world champions twice and brought the game to extra time. I’m proud of our players who represented us well in the World Cup. We displayed our identity,” said Bubista.

Argentina faced a strong challenge from Cabo Verde in a thrilling match. Despite leading twice, Argentina needed extra time to secure their win, which sends them to face Egypt in the Round of 16.

The match lasted the full 120 minutes, with Argentina taking the lead first through Lionel Messi, who scored after 29 minutes. This was Messi’s 20th World Cup goal, putting him ahead in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

Cabo Verde responded after halftime. Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute, equalising the game. Argentina regained the lead when Lautaro Martinez scored in the 92nd minute. However, Cabo Verde’s Lopes Cabral scored again in the 103rd minute to tie it once more.

The match turned in the 111th minute when a corner kick from Messi led to an own goal by Diney Borges, sealing the victory for Argentina.

Final score: Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (AET)

Argentina goals: Messi (29), L. Martinez (92), Borges (OG, 111)

Cabo Verde goals: Duarte (59), Lopes Cabral (103)