Morocco manager Walid Regragui thinks playing for a draw against Canada would be a mistake as the country attempts to go beyond the World Cup group stage for the second time.
Morocco will advance to the last 16 for the first time since 1986 with just a draw against Canada. The Atlas Lions play a Canadian team that has already been eliminated from the tournament following losses to Belgium and Croatia.
“We are coming up against a team with nothing to lose,” said Regragui. “They will be giving it everything right up until the final whistle.” He added – “If we are looking for the draw, that would be a mistake. It would be an error to go into the match thinking you only need to give 20 or 30% because the draw is fine for us.”
Yassine Bounou of Morocco, who was substituted just before kickoff against Belgium, is likely to be ready against Canada. The goalkeeper, 31, felt disoriented, but his replacement, Munir Mohamedi, led Morocco to a stunning 2-0 victory.
Canada has yet to earn a World Cup point, having lost all three games on their previous appearance in 1986. Ismael Kone, a 20-year-old Canadian midfielder, might replace 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson. Winger Junior Hoilett might return to the Maple Leafs’ starting lineup, which is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico.
