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Rabat – Canada head coach Jesse Marsch believes his team’s physical condition could prove decisive when they face Morocco in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the knockout encounter, Marsch said Canada has consistently maintained a high level of physical output throughout the tournament and hopes to capitalize on the extra recovery time following Morocco’s demanding 120-minute battle against the Netherlands in the previous round.
“We’re not going to change who we are,” he said. “We’ll make tactical adjustments based on the opponent, but our identity remains the same.”
Morocco is a very confident team, he adds.
Morocco has continued the momentum from their historic 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African and arab nation to reach the semifinals before finishing fourth.
The Atlas Lions’ qualification to the Round of 16 was described as no coincidence by many public figures and sports commentators, especially after their historic run in Qatar.
Their consistent performances have also lifted them to 7th in the FIFA world ranking, their highest ever position.
Morocco will face co-hosts Canada on Saturday, 4 July, at NRG Stadium in Houston after defeating the Netherlands 3- 2 in penalty kicks on Monday.
