2026 FIFA World Cup: Morocco Learns Its Knockout Stage Foe in Initial Confirmed Matchup of the Tournament's Second Round

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Morocco’s midfielder #23 Bilal El Khannouss celebrates after winning the penalty shootout of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between the Netherlands and Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on June 29, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

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The first confirmed Round of 16 fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see co-hosts Canada take on Morocco after both teams secured dramatic victories to book their places in the knockout stage.

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Canada advanced after edging South Africa 1-0 in their Round of 32 encounter, with captain Stephen Eustaquio scoring a late winner to end Bafana Bafana’s campaign.

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Jesse Marsch’s men have already made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time and will now be aiming to extend their fairytale run when they face the Atlas Lions.

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Morocco, meanwhile, overcame the Netherlands in a tense last-32 clash that was decided on penalties.

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The North Africans fought back to level the score late in the game after Issa Diop cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s opener, forcing the contest into a shootout.

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The Dutch suffered heartbreak from the spot as Quentin Timber, Crysencio Summerville and Justin Kluivert all failed to convert their penalties, sending Morocco through to the Round of 16.

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The clash between Canada and Morocco is scheduled for July 4, with kick-off set for 6 p.m. WAT.

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The winner will progress to the quarter-finals as both nations continue their bid for a historic World Cup campaign.

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