Nanaimo residents’ hopes not enough for Canada to beat Morocco

Nanaimo residents’ hopes not enough for Canada to beat Morocco

Published 10:00 am Monday, July 6, 2026

Crowds sit at Harewood Centennial Park in Nanaimo on July 4 to watch Canada take on Morocco. (Misha Mustaqeem/News Bulletin)

Matias Man, left, Sasa Ng, and Lily Hum during the World Cup watch party at Harewood Centennial Park in Nanaimo on July 4. (Misha Mustaqeem/News Bulletin)

Hundreds of people came to Harewood Centennial Park to watch Canada take on Morocco, and while spirits were high, it wasn’t enough to swing the game in Canada’s favour.

Canada was taking on one of the most powerful teams in the entire world, with Morocco ranked in the Top 10, according to FIFA’s Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking.

Throughout the first half, Canada held those giants to a 0-0 tie. Nanaimo residents were prepared to explode in celebration at the City of Nanaimo event, as Canada had several chances to score, only for Morocco to stop every single attempt.

The second half of the game proved to be Canada’s undoing. Morocco first scored, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring in the 50th minute to make it 1-0. Then, he struck again to bury Canada’s hopes and dreams in the 82nd minute.

The 2-0 score became 3-0 after Soufiane Rahimi scored eight minutes into stoppage time after the 90th minute was reached.

Canada. as a result, will be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, albeit one where they for the first time in the nation’s history, reached the knockout stage, and even defeated South Africa.

Morocco will be moving on to face France, who defeated Paraguay 1-0. That match will take place on Thursday, July 9.