Rabat – Morocco have confirmed their starting lineup for their World Cup round-of-16 match against Canada.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has kept Yassine Bounou in goal after his decisive role in the penalty-shootout win over the Netherlands.
Achraf Hakimi starts on the right side of defense and will captain the Atlas Lions.
Noussair Mazraoui also starts, giving Morocco experience and balance in the back line.
Issa Diop and R. Halhal complete the defensive setup.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui start in midfield, with Azzedine Ounahi expected to provide creativity and control in central areas.
Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss will support Ismael Saibari in attack.
Saibari starts again after playing an important role in Morocco’s World Cup campaign.
Morocco: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, R. Halhal, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari.
Morocco are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, although Brahim Diaz, El Khannouss and Saibari could exchange positions during the match.
The Atlas Lions reached this stage after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties.
Canada qualified after beating South Africa 1-0.
The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of France vs Paraguay
