The first Round of 16 tie at World Cup 2026 sees co-hosts Canada take on 2022 semi-finalists and reigning African champions, Morocco.
A mouth-watering knockout tie in Houston awaits us on Saturday evening, with the winner going on to play either Paraguay or France.
We have previewed the big match in full below, picking out some more betting online tips from NetBet Sport’s wide range of World Cup 2026 odds.
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Where can I watch Canada vs Morocco in the UK?
Canada vs Morocco will be broadcast live on ITV1, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
Canada vs Morocco Preview
Recent results
After a draw, win and loss in the group round, Canada claimed their first-ever knockout victory on the World Cup stage, a 1-0 success vs South Africa. Stephen Eustaquio’s brilliant 92nd-minute strike ended a rather dull contest on the highest of the notes. But manager Jesse Marsch will know an improved performance is required to get near Morocco, who are sixth in FIFA’s World Rankings.
The Moroccans were unlucky to finish runner-up in their group behind Brazil. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side drew 1-1 with the South American giants, before reeling off wins vs Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2). The second-place reward was a Round of 32 tie vs Netherlands, which the Atlas Lions won in the most dramatic of penalty shootouts following a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra-time. Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot kick, and the PSV Eindhoven striker has three goals at this tournament.
Head-to-head record
Canada and Morocco actually met at the 2022 World Cup, with the Atlas Lions winning 2-1. The Moroccans also claimed a huge 4-0 victory over Canada in a 2016 international friendly.
Team news
Canada have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to contend with, but Marsch has some big decisions to make. Captain Alphonso Davies made his first tournament appearance against South Africa and must be pushing for a start here, while Promise David is also an option to freshen up the attack.
Crystal Palace centre-back Chadi Riad is a fitness doubt for Morocco, which could pose a bit of a selection headache for Ouahbi. But Noussair Mazraoui is an experienced option who can play in the middle of the defence next to Issa Diop.
Canada vs Morocco Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Morocco are clear favourites to claim the victory here at a price of 1.76. A win for Canada is at odds of 4.75, while the draw after 90 minutes is 3.36.
Canada vs Morocco Betting Tips
Both teams to score – Yes @ 2.07
This BTTS pick has been a real source of value at World Cup 2026. It has landed in three of Morocco’s four matches thus far, as well as in two of Canada’s. So it looks like a great route to profit once again, as either a single bet or part of a combo.
Achraf Hakimi to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 2.25
Hakimi is arguably the most attacking right-back in world football, and has been exactly that in recent games. The PSG star tallied three shots on target vs Haiti and added another one to the collection against Netherlands. At such a great price, it looks well worth a punt on him tallying just one SOT in Houston.
Jonathan David to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 1.78
David has been a shot-taking machine at World Cup 2026. Canada’s main man in attack has tallied 15 in that department, with seven of them hitting the target. Morocco are a top-quality outfit, of that there can be no doubt, although defensively they can be got at, with just one clean sheet kept at this tournament – which was against a lacklustre Scotland team.
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