Canada’s historic run at the FIFA World Cup ended on Saturday with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the round of 16 in Houston, Texas.
While many Canadians were left heartbroken after the end of the men’s national team’s deepest run ever at a World Cup, thousands 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 quarter-finals.
One of the biggest names behind Morocco’s success also has Canadian connections.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Montreal before moving to Morocco as a child, helped anchor Morocco’s victory.
Bounou has become one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers throughout the World Cup so far.
In Montreal’s Petit Maghreb neighborhood, dozens gathered at restaurants along rue Jean-Talon wearing Moroccan red jerseys and waving Moroccan flags.
Get daily national news
Get Canada’s daily news delivered to your inbox so you never miss the top news of the day.
After a tense opening half in which Canada controlled several 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 festivities and worked to keep the crowds on the sidewalks.
More than 4,500 kilometers away in Vancouver, about 60 fans packed a Moroccan restaurant in Yaletown to watch the game.
Otto Outn, who traveled from Morocco and now lives in Vancouver, praised Canada’s performance despite the result.
“Canada was playing like a very strong and confident team. They put Morocco back on their feet a little bit,” he said. “But then in the second half we were able to score two goals, we ended up with a third. Congratulations.”
Christa Aucy, honorary consul for the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, said the rally reflected the strength of the local Moroccan community.
“We’re feeling great. It’s been a fantastic day,” she said. “It was great to play Canada. It was truly an honor 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 go along,” he said.
Morocco will face France in the quarterfinals on Thursday as Canada’s tour ends after its deepest run ever on soccer’s biggest stage.
– With files from Dan SpectorGlobal News
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
