Canada v Morocco edging closer
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi making his way onto the pitch to warm up!
(Reuters)
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 17:32
The five hours of chaos surrounding England’s World Cup tie that exposed Fifa’s lack of leadership
As Gianni Infantino stood beaming in the Miami stands on an unforgettable night at the World Cup, posing for selfies amid celebrities at the unforgettable Argentina vs Cape Verde match, it was hard not to wonder whether he should have been more focused on what Fifa are actually supposed to be about: running football tournaments.
The basic details are worth recapping, all the more so because they are clouded in so much confusion.
Miguel Delaney4 July 2026 17:24
Think Jesse Marsch is performative? Canada’s commander-in-chief has a message for you
After Canada’s second of six goals against Qatar, head coach Jesse Marsch unlocked what was depicted online as a “generational meme.” Running down the sideline, smoothly punching the air with his right hand as if he were an over-excited DJ at the decks in Ibiza, it is rather obvious that Marsch cares little for what people think about him. And against South Africa, he made it known beyond doubt.
Minutes after Stephen Eustaquio’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time sent Canada through to the last-16, Marsch gathered his 26 players and backroom staff in a small circle on the pitch. Adorned in a Team Canada sweater – with a flag the American would later kiss in celebration – Marsch told his team that they had become “Canadian heroes” after a first-ever World Cup knockout win.
It was Marsch-ism at his finest; something out of an “All or Nothing” documentary in real-time. Like him or loathe him, the former Leeds man is a coach who truly believes in the power of unity, passion and togetherness beyond any spiel of footballing tactics or formations. And questioned about the speech in his post-match press conference, Marsch had a message for the naysayers…
Kieran Jackson4 July 2026 17:16
T-minus 50 minutes until kick-off!
The first round-of-16 game of this World Cup is edging closer!
T-minus 50 minutes in Houston, Texas.
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 17:10
Why is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi being booed at the World Cup?
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been booed during Morocco’s World Cup games after it was announced he will stand trial in a rape case.
Hours before Morocco’s game against Scotland on 19 June, a French appeals court confirmed that Hakimi will stand trial in a rape case.
That ruling followed recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial.
He denies any wrongdoing.
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:58
Alphonso Davies fails to start
So, there’s no starting place for Canada captain Alphonso Davies, despite his cameo off the bench against South Africa.
Coming on with 15 minutes to go in that late win, Davies was thought of as a potential starter against Morocco.
However, the full back still isn’t quite fit enough to begin this game.
(Getty)
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:48
CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!
Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Bombito; Laryea; Buchanan, Sigur, Eustaquio, Ahmed; David, Oluwaseyi.
Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannous; Saibari.
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:39
Line-ups incoming!
For any predictions we might have, the official starting line-ups will be announced VERY shortly, so don’t go anywhere!
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:29
Morocco team news and predicted line-up
Chadi Riad was forced off for Morocco against the Netherlands but is in line to start.
There are no injury concerns.
Predicted Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:23
Canada team news and predicted line-up
Alphonso Davies was able to feature off the bench for Canada in their round of 16 tie, and could press for increased involvement here.
It may be that he is kept to an impact role as a substitute after real injury woe in the last couple of years.
Predicted Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Saliba, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Oluwaseyi.
Alex Pattle4 July 2026 16:19
