Morocco starting lineup vs Canada confirmed as Ismael Saibari named for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash

Morocco finished fourth in the 2022 FIFA World Cup

With the group stage and the Round of 32 now complete, the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with co-hosts Canada taking on Morocco in the opening fixture of the pre-quarterfinals. The match is scheduled to take place at Houston Stadium in Texas, United States, on July 4.

Morocco have remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, winning three of the four matches they have played. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side began their campaign with a hard-fought draw against Brazil before recording victories over Haiti and Scotland to comfortably secure qualification for the knockout stages.

Their first knockout fixture proved to be a stern test against the Netherlands in the Round of 32. Morocco held their nerve after trailing for much of the contest, with Issa Diop scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to force extra time. They then kept Ronald Koeman’s side at bay for another 30 minutes before prevailing in the penalty shootout, thanks largely to the heroics of Bono.

On paper, the Round of 16 clash against Canada appears to be a more favourable and relatively easy fixture. Should Morocco progress, they will face either Paraguay or France in the quarterfinals.

Morocco’s confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Canada:

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi (c), Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub BouaddI, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.

Substitutes: Munir Mohamedi (GK), Ahmed Tagnaouti (FK), Ayoube Amaimouni, Youssef Belammari, Sofyan Amrabat, Chadi Riad, Samir El Mourabet, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Anass Salah-Eddine, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi, Marwane Saadane, Amine Sbai, Chemsdine Talbi, Gessime Yassine.

Thoughts on the Lineup:

Bono retains his place between the sticks after once again establishing himself as one of the standout goalkeepers of the tournament, building on the impressive performances he produced in the previous edition.

Noussair Mazraoui continues at left-back after a string of excellent displays, while captain Achraf Hakimi starts on the opposite flank. Redouane Halhal and Issa Diop partner each other at the heart of the defence, providing Morocco with a combination of physicality, aerial dominance, and the technical ability to play out from the back.

In midfield, the impressive Ayyoub Bouaddi continues alongside Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi. The trio offers energy, technical quality, vision, and the pressing resistance required to control possession, qualities they have consistently demonstrated throughout the tournament.

Bilal El Khannouss starts on the left wing, where his vision and ability to play line-breaking passes will be crucial in breaking down low defensive blocks. On the opposite flank, Brahim Diaz is set to feature on the right, using his quick feet, intelligent movement, and crossing ability to trouble the Canadian defence.

Leading the line will be Ismael Saibari, who continues in the false-nine role that has served Morocco so well throughout the tournament. His pace allows him to make dangerous runs behind the opposition defence, while his physical presence enables him to compete effectively inside the penalty area.

Morocco also have plenty of quality available from the bench, with the likes of Taibi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, and Sofyan Amrabat all capable of making a significant impact if called upon during the second half.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.