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The round of 16 kicks off today as the knockout stage continues. New users can use Caesars Sportsbook promo code FOXSPORTSDYW to unlock 10x 100% Profit Boosts when betting just $1 on Canada vs. Morocco.

Morocco has lived up to the hype they built from the 2022 World Cup. Coming off a chaotic thriller against the Netherlands, winning in penalties. Ismael Saibari has already netted three goals, Achraf Hakimi is still one of the best right backs and Brahim Díaz is a dangerous player on the wing.

Canada’s run has been powered by Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and Tajon Buchanan. Even without Alphonso Davies, Canada has found ways to win. Now, Davies could return with a bigger role after playing a few minutes in their last match.

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Canada vs. Morocco Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

Moneyline (90 minutes)

• Canada: +400
• Morocco: -127
• Draw: +220

To Advance

• Canada: +205
• Morocco: -280

Goalscorers

Player	Team	Anytime	2+
Ismael Saibari	Morocco	+164	+850
Brahim Díaz	Morocco	+230	+1500
Jonathan David	Canada	+290	+2400
Tani Oluwaseyi	Canada	+360	+3500

More markets available on Caesars Sportsbook.

How to Watch Canada vs. Morocco

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Players to Watch in Canada vs. Morocco match

Achraf Hakimi has been one of Morocco’s most influential players, combining elite defending with constant attacking runs down the right flank. Having played every minute of the tournament, he will be a major factor on both ends of the field.

Ismael Saibari enters the knockout stage in outstanding form after scoring three goals during the group stage. His finishing and ability to find dangerous spaces have made him Morocco’s primary attacking threat.

Jonathan David remains Canada’s biggest goal-scoring weapon and will be relied upon to convert the chances his team creates. Canada will need a clinical performance from its leading striker to challenge Morocco’s defense.

Tajon Buchanan gives Canada pace and creativity on the wing, making him one of the team’s most dangerous transition players. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality service into the box could be key if Canada is to spring an upset.

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

After securing the nation’s first-ever men’s World Cup knockout victory, Canada’s historic World Cup run continues Saturday as they face Morocco in a round of 16 showdown with a place in the quarterfinals on the line. 

New users can use bet365 bonus code FOX365 to get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose.

Standing in their way is a Morocco side that defeated Canada at the 2022 World Cup and has only gotten better since then. Morocco come in riding high after their dramatic win over the Netherlands in the round of 32.

Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and Tajon Buchanan will be counted on to lead Canada’s attack, while Alphonso Davies could play a bigger role after making his return from injury in the previous round. 

Use the bet365 bonus code FOX365 to claim $150 in bonus bets and join the drama as the round of 16 begins today with Canada hoping to keep their historic run alive.

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Canada vs. Morocco Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

To Advance

• Canada: +220
• Morocco: -275

Method of Victory

Method of Victory	Canada	Morocco
90 Minutes	+425	-125
Extra Time	+1800	+850
Penalties	+1000	+900

Score or Assist Odds

Player	Team	Score	Assist	Score or Assist
Ismael Saibari	Morocco	+175	+333	+100
Brahim Díaz	Morocco	+225	+375	+130
Jonathan David	Canada	+333	+600	+220
Tajon Buchanan	Canada	+650	+750	+375

How to Watch Canada vs. Morocco

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Players to Watch in Canada vs. Morocco match

Achraf Hakimi has been one of Morocco’s most influential players, combining elite defending with constant attacking runs down the right flank. Having played every minute of the tournament, he will be a major factor on both ends of the field.

Ismael Saibari enters the knockout stage in outstanding form after scoring three goals during the group stage. His finishing and ability to find dangerous spaces have made him Morocco’s primary attacking threat.

Jonathan David remains Canada’s biggest goal-scoring weapon and will be relied upon to convert the chances his team creates. Canada will need a clinical performance from its leading striker to challenge Morocco’s defense.

Tajon Buchanan gives Canada pace and creativity on the wing, making him one of the team’s most dangerous transition players. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality service into the box could be key if Canada is to spring an upset.

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 

The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup kicks off Saturday joining the fireworks of Fourth of July. 

New users can use Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock a $10 bonus and trade on today’s biggest knockout matchups.

Canada and Morocco have already taken the pitch in Houston. Follow live here. Morocco has continued to build on their 2022 World Cup and can advance to the quarterfinals for the second straight World Cup. 

France continues to show the rest of the teams why they are the favorites to win it all after their dominant performance against Sweden in the round of 32. 

Paraguay will have their hands full trying to stop Les Bleus, but they aren’t new to defeating powerhouses in the World Cup.

Use Kalshi promo code FOXSPORTS to claim your $10 bonus and get involved in the opening wave of round of 16 World Cup action.

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Canada vs. Morocco Odds

*Odds/Probability are subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Morocco	67%	67¢	34¢
Canada	34%	34¢	67¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

How to Watch Canada vs. Morocco

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Players to Watch in Canada vs. Morocco match

Achraf Hakimi has been one of Morocco’s most influential players, combining elite defending with constant attacking runs down the right flank. Having played every minute of the tournament, he will be a major factor on both ends of the field.

Ismael Saibari enters the knockout stage in outstanding form after scoring three goals during the group stage. His finishing and ability to find dangerous spaces have made him Morocco’s primary attacking threat.

Jonathan David remains Canada’s biggest goal-scoring weapon and will be relied upon to convert the chances his team creates. Canada will need a clinical performance from its leading striker to challenge Morocco’s defense.

Tajon Buchanan gives Canada pace and creativity on the wing, making him one of the team’s most dangerous transition players. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality service into the box could be key if Canada is to spring an upset.

France vs. Paraguay Odds

*Odds/Probability are subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
France	93%	93¢	8¢
Paraguay	8%	8¢	93¢

More markets available on Kalshi.

How to Watch France vs. Paraguay

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Players to Watch in France vs. Paraguay match

Michael Olise has been one of the tournament’s premier playmakers, tallying five assists while orchestrating France’s attack. His vision and creativity will be vital in breaking down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive shape.

Kylian Mbappé continues to lead France’s attack with six goals and two assists through four matches. His pace, movement, and finishing make him the biggest threat as France looks to reach the quarterfinals.

Matías Galarza has been one of Paraguay’s standout performers, contributing goals, assists, and strong midfield play throughout the tournament. He will be central to Paraguay’s hopes of creating chances on the counterattack.

Julio Enciso provides Paraguay with its most dangerous attacking spark. His ability to drive forward, create opportunities, and capitalize on limited chances will be crucial if Paraguay is to pull off another upset.

Source

The stars aren’t the only thing to keep an eye on in the highly anticipated clash between Mexico and England in Mexico City for the World Cup’s round of 16. The weather report isn’t far behind. 

As is the case in Mexico City during the summer months, thunderstorms are always possible. And as both teams prepare to square off on Sunday, July 5 at 8 p.m. ET for a chance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, the forecast could change on a dime. 

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and the rest of the Three Lions’ squad are looking to upend the homefield advantage that Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, and El Tri will have in front of more than 87,000 fans at an altitude of 7,200-plus feet.

(Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) –>

Whether there’s a “Hand of God” moment waiting in the wings depends first on when the game will be played. Currently, the game is still scheduled to get rolling with no delays. Mexico’s round of 32 win over Ecuador had a delay on Tuesday due to storms, and there’s always the chance this could be the case on Sunday. 

What Is The Weather Forecast For Mexico vs. England?

According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game is 64 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is high. 

Those storms could intensify – or dissipate – as the afternoon rolls on, but in the event there is a lightning strike, there is a mandatory shelter-in-place, with teams returning to the locker room. 

What Are The Weather Delay Protocols At The World Cup?

Play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an ​eight-mile radius ​of a ⁠stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes have passed without ​a further occurrence.

Like in other sports, a countdown starts after lightning, and there would need to be no other lightning in the area after those conditions before the match can safely be back on. Any new lightning detection ​resets ⁠the countdown, meaning delays can stretch for several hours if thunderstorms persist. 

FIFA has no fixed ⁠time ​limit after which a ​match must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a ​case-by-case basis.

Has There Been A Weather Delay At the World Cup?

The France vs. Iraq group stage game in Philadelphia on June 23 was suspended mid-match for two hours due to weather. France was leading Iraq 1-0 when the suspension occurred, with Les Bleus winning 3-0 once play resumed. 

The Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 32 game in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed for one hour due to weather. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 once the action got underway. 

]–>

Source

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) — Dennis Hauger hasn’t had a moment to talk some World Cup trash to fellow INDYCAR rookie Caio Collet as Norway takes on Brazil in a Round of 16 contest that follows the INDYCAR race on Sunday.

But Hauger, the first Norwegian to race in INDYCAR, has a celebration plan — that’s if he earns his first career INDYCAR podium. 

Dennis Hauger is ready to row if he podiums at Mid-Ohio.

–>

It’s a celebration that World Cup fans have seen from the Norwegian faithful this summer. 

“That’s my only goal this year. Get on the podium so I can row back to Norway and celebrate with that,” Hauger quipped during a news conference last week. 

“That would be so fun.”

INDYCAR coverage starts Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX. It leads right into World Cup pre-game coverage at 3 p.m., with the Round of 16 double-header of Norway vs. Brazil and England vs. Mexico to follow.

The INDYCAR drivers from those countries — and all that remain in the World Cup — are paying attention.

“Mexico’s been killing it,” said Pato O’Ward, who is hugely popular in his native Mexico, to me and other reporters Friday. “I kept seeing a lot of videos and reels, and I felt so much FOMO that I wasn’t there to just experience the vibe, experience the energy.

“Obviously, I experience it in a certain degree when I see a lot of the Mexican fans around the races that I go to throughout the year, and it makes me want to be there.”

Like many of those from England, driver Louis Foster isn’t sure about his team.

Louis Foster is from England but isn’t convinced that his team will prevail in the World Cup.

–>

“I support, but I’m realistic,” Foster told me Friday. “Facing Mexico is going to be tough being their home event in Mexico City with the elevation and everything else and the team hasn’t been playing particularly well.

“I think they could pull through. It’s a very toss-up game. If we get through that, we should be able to get through the next stage as well, but we’ll face Argentina in the semis. Argentina and France, over the last four to eight years, have just been leagues above everyone else. So fingers crossed.”

The next INDYCAR race, July 19 at Nashville Superspeedway, will immediately follow the post-game coverage of the World Cup final on FOX.

Could Spain be in it? Alex Palou, the only Spaniard to win the Indianapolis 500 and the only Spaniard to win an INDYCAR title (he has four), wouldn’t make a prediction.

But Palou is hopeful that Spain and the United States win their games Monday so they can meet in a World Cup quarterfinal.

“That would be very exciting,” Palou said at a news conference Friday. “Then … if Spain wins, I could be like, ‘We beat you guys’ to the team. And if the U.S. wins, I can go to my friends in Spain and be like, ‘Yeah, America.’

“I think I can play both sides. And whatever happens will be fun.”

]–>

Source

Cape Verde won hearts across the world with its inspiring run at the 2026 World Cup. The island country with a population of under 600,000 people — located within an archipelago off the western coast of Africa — fielded a team of players who never backed down even against the top-ranked team in the tournament.

During the group stage, they took points off previous World Cup-winning nations Spain and Uruguay, before a draw with Saudi Arabia clinched Cape Verde’s spot in the knockout rounds. The magic continued, as Cape Verde went blow for blow with defending champion Argentina, matching its first goal in regulation, and another in extra time when Sidny Lopes Cabral delivered the goal of the tournament.

Ultimately, Argentina found a winner, but Cape Verde won, too. The country and its players will be remembered for its courage, for being inspirational underdogs.

So what’s next for the players who led Cape Verde to its first knockout stage appearance? 

Vozinha became a viral sensation due to his heroic performances for Cape Verde, appearing on “FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden” and increasing his social media following by 20 million in the span of two weeks. Vozinha is currently a free agent, giving him the opportunity to cash in on his newfound notoriety.

Vozinha’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇨🇻

–>

Lopes Cabral endeared himself to fans when he scored the goal of the tournament in extra time against Argentina before running into the grandstands to celebrate with Cape Verde supporters. He secured a €10 million transfer to Turkish side Trabzonspor after spending last season in Portugal with SL Benfica. 

Cape Verde pulls even AGAIN vs Argentina Sidny Lopes Cabral curls in STUNNING goal in extra time

–>

Pina etched his name into Cape Verde’s history books when he scored its first-ever World Cup goal against Uruguay. Pina has played for Russian side Krasnador since 2022, and signed a contract extension with the club in 2024 to keep him in Russia through June 2027.

Kevin Pina Scores Cape Verde’s First FIFA World Cup™ Goal

–>

Deroy Duarte made his mark on the tournament by scoring the equalizer against Argentina to force extra time. Duarte plays in Bulgaria with Ludogorets. He played in the Netherlands for the first eight seasons of his professional career before moving to the club in 2024. He is under contract through 2028.

Cape Verde LEVELS score vs Argentina Deroy Duarte finds equalizer in second half

–>

Cape Verde wouldn’t have qualified for the knockout round without Hélio Varela, who scored the equalizer against Uruguay in the group stage. Varela plays for Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Cape Verde’s Hélio Varela scores equalizer for first career international goal | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

–>

Ryan Mendes captained Cape Verde at its first-ever World Cup and is its all-time caps leader. Mendes is currently a free agent after spending last season with Turkish side Iğdır.

Roberto “Pico” Lopes anchored Cape Verde’s defense at the World Cup by playing every possible minute of the tournament. He captains the Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division and is entering his 10th year with the club.

Moreira held his own on defense against some of the best attacking players in the world. Moreira plays in the United States with MLS side Columbus Crew and was a key figure in their MLS Cup (2023) and Leagues Cup (2024) title runs. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Jovane Cabral was a key player for Cape Verde during the tournament, playing 214 minutes and starting against Uruguay and Spain. Cabral plays for Estrela da Amadora in the Portuguese Liga.

Cape Verde’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇨🇻

–>

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

New users can use BetMGM bonus code FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $1,500 in bonuses as France continues its World Cup campaign in the round of 16 against Paraguay.

Paraguay is coming off an unforgettable upset against Germany in penalties. Now, they face their toughest test yet against a French squad built for a deep World Cup run.

France has netted at least three goals in every game this tournament and showing everyone why they are the favorite to win. Kylian Mbappé has netted six goals by himself leading the way for France. Ousmane Dembélé has four goals of his own. 

For new users, you can claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets when you sign up with bonus code ‘FOXSPORTS’. 

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France vs. Paraguay Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

• France: -1100
• Paraguay: +725

Game Goalscorer Odds

*Odds are subject to change*

Player	Team	First	Anytime	Last
Kylian Mbappé	France	+165	-225	+170
Ousmane Dembélé	France	+400	+130	+400
Michael Olise	France	+475	+165	+500
Gabriel Avalos	Paraguay	+1150	+500	+1150
Julio Enciso	Paraguay	+1200	+500	+1200

How to Watch France vs. Paraguay

• When: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports, FOX Sports App

Players to Watch in France vs. Paraguay match

Michael Olise has been one of the tournament’s premier playmakers, tallying five assists while orchestrating France’s attack. His vision and creativity will be vital in breaking down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive shape.

Kylian Mbappé continues to lead France’s attack with six goals and two assists through four matches. His pace, movement, and finishing make him the biggest threat as France looks to reach the quarterfinals.

Matías Galarza has been one of Paraguay’s standout performers, contributing goals, assists, and strong midfield play throughout the tournament. He will be central to Paraguay’s hopes of creating chances on the counterattack.

Julio Enciso provides Paraguay with its most dangerous attacking spark. His ability to drive forward, create opportunities, and capitalize on limited chances will be crucial if Paraguay is to pull off another upset.

Source

The stars aren’t the only thing to keep an eye on in the highly anticipated clash between Norway and Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium in the World Cup’s round of 16. The weather report isn’t far behind. 

And as both teams prepare to square off on Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m. ET for a chance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, all eyes will also be on any changes in the weather.

Brazil is playing some of the best soccer at the tournament, with Vinícius Júnior – three goals and an assist through four games – leading a potent attack that is eyeing the team’s sixth World Cup title in history. Erling Haaland, who is firmly in the mix for the Golden Boot award with five goals in three matches, looks to lead Norway and his Viking Row comrades to what would be a notable upset. 

What Is The Weather Forecast For Brazil vs. Norway?

According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game is 83 degrees with a chance of scattered thunderstorms. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is high. 

In the event there is a lightning strike, there is a mandatory shelter-in-place, with teams returning to the locker room. 

What Are The Weather Delay Protocols At The World Cup?

Play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an ​eight-mile radius ​of a ⁠stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes have passed without ​a further occurrence.

Like in other sports, a countdown starts after lightning, and there would need to be no other lightning in the area after those conditions before the match can safely be back on. Any new lightning detection ​resets ⁠the countdown, meaning delays can stretch for several hours if thunderstorms persist. 

FIFA has no fixed ⁠time ​limit after which a ​match must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a ​case-by-case basis.

Has There Been A Weather Delay At the World Cup?

The France vs. Iraq group stage game in Philadelphia on June 23 was suspended mid-match for two hours due to weather. France was leading Iraq 1-0 when the suspension occurred, with Les Bleus winning 3-0 once play resumed. 

The Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 32 game in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed for one hour due to weather. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 once the action got underway. 

]–>

Source

The famous Mexico City Stadium (née Estadio Azteca) will add another historic game to its resume on Sunday: England vs. Mexico in the 2026 World Cup.

It will be a daunting matchup for the Three Lions, who have played their first three games in Dallas, Foxborough, Mass., New Jersey and Atlanta. Those places don’t compare to Mexico City, where they will face an altitude of more than 7,000 feet.

Meanwhile, Mexico has played three of its four games at the hallowed Azteca — called Mexico City Stadium during the World Cup — winning all three by multiple goals for a combined 7-0 scoreline.

Mexico has not lost a competitive home game at the stadium since September 2013 and is 8-2-0 (win-draw-loss) in the 10 World Cup games that it has played there. Overall, El Tri are 70-17-2 at the stadium.

One country that is extremely familiar with playing there: the United States of America. The Americans have an all-time 1-4-9 record at the stadium, including three draws and one win in their last four games there.

Three U.S. soccer veterans — Bob Bradley, Maurice Edu and Walker Zimmerman — told us what it’s like to play at the Azteca ahead of the stadium’s final game of this World Cup.

Bradley coached the U.S. there in a 2009 qualifier that saw the Americans take an early lead through a Charlie Davies goal, only to lose 2-1. Edu started in the only USA win ever at the Azteca in August 2012, while Zimmerman started there in a 2022 World Cup qualifier that ended 0-0.

What was it like arriving at the stadium?

Bradley: It’s an awesome stadium. Every time you play a qualifier there, everything shuts down for the day. I think this stadium is filled by the time you can get into the stadium and look around. People are coming in, and it’s filled even in warmups. So, the players get a sense of everything before the kickoff, so you’re excited to start playing.

Bob Bradley greets Mexico coach Javier Aguirre before a World Cup Qualifying soccer match between the USA and Mexico at Azteco Stadium August 12, 2009, in Mexico City. Aguirre is the current Mexico coach, in his second stint in charge of the team. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images) –>

Edu: I remember when you get to the stadium where the bus drops you off and walk to the locker room, it’s a long, long walk. Along the wall in the hallway, you see photos of these iconic games that have been played at Azteca. You get into the locker room to change, and you start to hear the noise as it gets louder and louder. By the time you’re coming out to warm up, it’s like this deafening buzz.

I always appreciated an atmosphere like that. I love a crazy and passionate environment that has real energy, passion and support. It reminded me of playing at Celtic Park for Rangers in Glasgow. Everyone is screaming at you and wants to steal the shirt off your back.

Angel Reina fights for the ball with Maurice Edu on August 15, 2012. (Miguel Tovar/Getty Images) –>

Zimmerman: We made the mistake of staying at the Four Seasons since it was a nicer hotel even though it was further away from the stadium. So, the day before the game, we went to the Azteca to get a training session in. The bus ride probably took an hour and 45 minutes.

So, the day of the match, we gave ourselves 2 hours with a police escort. I remember pulling up to the stadium, and as soon as we got to the locker room, we had a total of eight minutes to be on the field to warm up because we were so delayed. Guys were getting taped up on the bus, trying to take a nap, get ready as best they could.

Walker Zimmerman reacts to Mexico striker Raul Jimenez during a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Azteca Stadium on March 24, 2022. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images) –>

How big of a factor is altitude?

Bradley: Look, 7,000 feet is a lot, and when you play in the middle of the afternoon, it’s also more difficult because you’re also dealing with the sun and the air quality. The way it affects players is mostly with their ability to recover when they make a hard run. 

So, everything in terms of defensive reactions and recovery becomes a little harder. You’re aware of that, and obviously trying to find the right moments to run and be smart. Players have to read the game well so that they are not putting themselves and the team in tough situations where the game gets wide open, which plays into Mexico’s hands when that is the case.

Bob Bradley looks on during the national anthems. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images) –>

Edu: It’s difficult, man. It really is. Those first few sprints in warmups, when you’re getting ready, you’re not really tested. It’s in the game when you’re trying to get on the end of a cross or sprinting into the box, the moment of transition when you turn around and have to sprint back. That’s when you’re really tested and when you really start to feel how much altitude plays into it.

I think the hydration breaks will help now, because a huge part of playing at that altitude is just weathering the first 15 or 20 minutes of that storm.

Zimmerman: They sent us altitude tents about a month before that cycle of international games began, so I actually slept in that next to my wife. We would go up like 500 feet in altitude every night while monitoring our oxygen levels. You wake up, put a monitor on your finger and see how you are doing. I think I did that for about three weeks.

It’s hard to remember whether it actually worked. What I remember from the game is that we were feeling really good, honestly. I don’t remember too many big chances for Mexico, and it went pretty well.

I didn’t notice the altitude too much because even if it’s tough, what’s the alternative? You sub yourself out? No, you have to dig deep. When you see the other guys around you doing the same, you just kind of keep running through it.

Walker Zimmerman vies for the ball with Mexico’s Erick Gutierrez. (Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images) –>

What is your lasting memory of playing at the Azteca?

Bradley: One of the best. One of the best. Great atmosphere, great history. And the big challenge when you go there.

Edu: That we won. Although it was a friendly, being in that stadium and being part of that team in a 1-0 win, that’s my lasting memory. I like playing in atmospheres like that where I can help quiet fans down and ultimately get the result. There’s nothing like it.

Zimmerman: I think the stadium is bigger when you’re in it than you realize. I don’t think I was aware of the sheer size of it until you’re in it. You’re just kind of driving around Mexico City and then boom, there it is.

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On the Fourth of July, in front of 72,000 fans deep in the heart of Texas, Morocco reminded everyone that surviving is a skill. Canada threw everything at the Atlas Lions for 45 minutes, and it looked like the co-hosts’ fairytale had another chapter. Then Azzedine Ounahi happened twice.

Morocco won 3-0 to book a quarterfinal date with France or Paraguay, and Canada’s historic run ends in the Round of 16 — with heads high and a country converted.

Here are four takeaways from Houston:

1. Morocco Looked Scared – Then Had An Epiphany

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Let’s not sugarcoat the first half: Morocco was rattled. Canada pressed into oblivion, racking up 13 touches in the Moroccan box to Morocco’s one at the other end. Jonathan David tested Yassine Bounou early, Tani Oluwaseyi went one-on-one and was denied, and the loss of Ismael Saibari to injury after 22 minutes only deepened the panic. Seven yellow cards before halftime tell you how frantic it got.

So what changed? The break, mostly. Morocco came out calmer, stopped forcing passes through Canada’s press, and let the game breathe. Five minutes into the second half, Ounahi drilled home from the top of the box off Achraf Hakimi’s delivery, and suddenly the pressure flipped. From there, Morocco played smartly: they sat in, stayed compact, and killed Canada on the counter. It wasn’t a comeback on the scoreboard. It was a comeback of the mind.

2. Canada’s Deepest Run Ever, But The What-Ifs Sting

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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This was already the greatest World Cup in Canadian history. A draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto for their first-ever World Cup point. A 6-0 demolition of Qatar featuring a Jonathan David hat-trick. A first-ever knockout win, courtesy of Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time thunderbolt against South Africa.

But the what-ifs will linger. Alphonso Davies, still not fully fit after his brutal injury run, missed the entire group stage and started today on the bench (and never came into the game). Ismael Kone’s tournament ended in horror in Vancouver, fracturing his tibia and fibula against Qatar. And David, so lethal against the Qataris, reverted to his Juventus form when it mattered most — a tactical foul, a yellow card, and a free kick sailed over the bar. Against an opponent this good, your stars have to show up — Canada’s couldn’t.

3. Ounahi, Welcome Back To The World Stage

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Luis Enrique famously asked in 2022: “My God, where does this guy come from?” Four years later, the Girona midfielder is still making people ask. His first was pure filth — a strike from the top of the penalty arc that kissed the bottom corner. His second was pure poise, racing onto Brahim Diaz’s touch on the counter and finishing like a striker. It’s the first World Cup brace by a Moroccan since Salaheddine Bassir buried two against Scotland in 1998.

Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi Scores BRACE in Round of 16 vs Canada | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Morocco needed it because the Saibari news looms large. The new Bayern Munich signing — Morocco’s top scorer at this tournament, who netted in every group game and converted the decisive penalty against the Netherlands — limped off clutching his hamstring. If he’s done, someone else has to carry the scoring load in the quarters. Ounahi just volunteered.

4. Cry If You Want, Canada. Then Smile.

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

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Canada fought valiantly to the end, and there’s no shame in falling to a team that made a World Cup semifinal four years ago. The bigger picture is optimistic. This was a nation that hosted World Cup matches on home soil for the first time, packed Toronto and Vancouver, and turned a hockey country into a soccer one for a month.

And the foundation is real. Jesse Marsch has built something coherent and brave — a team that pressed Morocco into a first-half crisis. The core is young: Moise Bombito, Ismael Kone, Davies (still just 25). And David should be in his prime. Canadian football has never been higher. In 2030, nobody will be calling them a cute story. They’ll be calling them a problem.

Canada vs Morocco Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 16

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