What to know
- Morocco defeats Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals.
- The win is celebrated as a milestone for Morocco and for African football, with fans expressing continental pride.
- This was Canada’s first time reaching the Men’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16, a historic achievement despite the loss.
- Toronto’s FIFA Fan Fest saw emotional reactions, with both Moroccan and Canadian fans praising their teams and the spirit of competition.
Canada’s historic World Cup run is over, but fans at Toronto’s FIFA Fan Fest still found plenty to celebrate.
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in Saturday’s Round of 16 match, ending Canada’s deepest-ever run at the men’s FIFA World Cup and sending Morocco into the quarter-finals.
At Fort York and The Bentway, the result brought two very different emotions: heartbreak for Canadian supporters and pure joy for Morocco fans.
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Both countries scored zero goals before halftime, but Morocco quickly caught up and won 3-0 against Canada.
Morocco fans celebrate more than just a win
Morocco fan Nsanas is proud of his country, and even prouder that Morocco can now represent other African countries, too.
“Our country is in the top 8 out of all the countries. We’re there to represent all the Africans. Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria…” he told Now Toronto.
“I knew they were gonna win. The first half we were getting pressed, but I knew in the second half, they were gonna reserve their energy and press even harder,” Nsanas added.
Morocco fan Murtuza is celebrating the win.
“I feel so happy. I was just in Morocco in November, and I knew we were gonna go crazy. Onto the next round,” he told Now Toronto.
Canada fans proud despite loss
Canada fan Sia was happy for Morocco but wished Canada had won.
“I’m kind of sad, but I’m also happy for them,” she said.
But for her, she’s overall proud of Canada for even making it to the Round of 16.
“To me, they won the entire World Cup. It’s already home,” Sia told Now Toronto.
Canada fan Anthony is excited for Morocco too, but loves celebrating soccer with any country. But despite Canada losing the Round of 16, getting that far is inspirational, according to him.
“I know this is gonna spur a lot of kids out there to achieve these dreams and make Canada more of a football nation,” he said.
