Rabat – Canada head coach Jesse Marsch insisted his side was the better team despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after Canada’s elimination, Marsch praised his players’ performance but admitted Morocco’s quality proved decisive.
“We were the better team on the pitch. It’s true that they created some chances and were more effective with the final touch, but we put them under great pressure throughout the match.”
The Canadian coach said his team executed its game plan well, especially during the first half.
“In terms of our game plan, tactics, the players’ desire to win the ball back, and the energy they showed, we were the better team in the first half and even during parts of the second half.”
Marsch explained that the game changed after Morocco scored the opening goal.
“After we conceded the first goal, things changed a little. Morocco’s players raised their level in the key moments.”
Despite the defeat, the Canadian manager believes his team gained valuable experience from the tournament.
“The real test in these big matches is how you believe in yourself and how you test your opponent. We succeeded in doing that, and we produced an unbelievable first half.”
He admitted Canada could not maintain that level after the break and credited Morocco’s individual quality.
“We produced an unbelievable first half. We were unfortunate because we were not at our best in the second half. We should have taken control of the match and continued with that intent. But once again, they have quality, and they have players who perform at a very high level. In terms of their style of play, their game plan, and the way they respected it, they deserved credit.”
