Canada’s historic FIFA World Cup run came to an end Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the Round of 16 in Houston, Texas.
While many Canadians were left heartbroken after the men’s national team’s deepest run ever at a World Cup ended, thousands of others took to the streets and restaurants to celebrate.
In cities like Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto, members of Canada’s Moroccan community erupted in celebration as Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals.
One of the biggest names behind Morocco’s success also has Canadian ties.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal before moving to Morocco as a child, helped anchor Morocco’s shutout victory.
Bounou has become one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers throughout the World Cup so far.
In Montreal’s Petit Maghreb neighbourhood, dozens gathered at restaurants along Jean-Talon Street wearing red Morocco jerseys and waving Moroccan flags.
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After a tense opening half in which Canada controlled long stretches of play, celebrations erupted when Morocco scored early in the second half.
A heavy police presence, including mounted officers and members in riot gear, monitored the celebrations and worked to keep crowds on the sidewalks.
More than 4,500 kilometres away in Vancouver, around 60 supporters packed a Moroccan restaurant in Yaletown to watch the match.
Otto Outn, who travelled from Morocco and now lives in Vancouver, praised Canada’s performance despite the result.
“Canada was playing like a very strong, confident team. They put Morocco back on their heels a little bit,” he said. “But then in the second half we were able to score two goals, finish with a third. Congratulations.”
Christa Aucy, honorary consul for the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, said the gathering reflected the strength of the local Moroccan community.
“We’re feeling great. It’s been a fantastic day,” she said. “It’s been awesome to play Canada. It was really an honour, and what a game it was.”
Restaurant owner Mohamed El Haddi said the World Cup has brought the local Moroccan community together.
“We’ve done this before, but more and more people are getting excited as we progress,” he said.
Morocco will face France in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Canada’s tournament ends after its deepest-ever run on soccer’s biggest stage.
– With files from Dan Spector, Global News
More Canadians of convenience
Catherine Smythe
July 5, 2026 at 9:48 am
Canadians can cheer for the USA now
F*CK THE USA!
stop saying we did great !!! vince lomabardi would never except this B/S for what it is , WERE LOSERS. IF YOU DON’T WIN, MEANS YOU LOST ! HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE LOSING. THIS IS THE EXACT REASON WE NEVER WIN ANYTHING. ALWAYS PLEASED JUST TO COMPETE. NEVER TO WIN ! BIG FACTS
new canadians celebrating the win of another country whence they came——–i wonder what country they’ll be cheering if they have to play canada ??? don’t hold your breath
Traitors
Wow…look at all the butt hurt so-called Canadians here…. congratulations 👏
These are the same Canadians that cry foul and call racism if they don’t get their way or feel excluded Meanwhile they cheer for the country they left and not the current country they live in. If it is so great, why don’t you move back?
If as a Canadian I show national pride I’m called a right wight terrorist ! Integrate or get out!
Catherine Smythe is a plump karen.
I hope she gets lumps in her chest.
Send em back to the dump that is Morocco
I feel a little sad that they are Canadian and still so vocal about another team. I guess it takes a few generations to integrate, I get that. However, are they not are calling Canada home?
I’m incredibly proud to be Canadian!
Really patriotic.
Marsch has a hard time when he cant cheat
Canadians can cheer for the USA now
Oh so nice. Showing that Canadian patriotism. Come here, bring your garbage here but dont cheer for the safe country you came too? GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM!
Canada was the stronger team; and I am incredible proud of our Canadian heroes and their incredible coach and support team!
Like I said before, soccer is boring. It is for people whose minds run to slow to follow a sport like, say, hockey. Lol
Morocco will face their old oppressors France next game.