Canada, the co-host who put six past Qatar, meets unbeaten Morocco in the last 16

A co-host that can score, and defend

Canada left Group B with a mixed line but two clear statements. They opened with a 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then took Qatar apart 6-0, before losing 2-1 to Switzerland. The 6-0 showed what their attack can do when it clicks. In the round of 32 they turned to the other side of the game and won 1-0 against South Africa — one goal, a clean sheet, job done. Note the venue: this last-16 tie is in Houston, not on Canadian soil, so the home run does not come with a home stadium.

Morocco just won't break

Morocco went through Group C without a loss. They held Brazil to a 1-1, beat Scotland 1-0 and saw off Haiti 4-2. Then, in the round of 32, they drew 1-1 with the Netherlands and held their nerve in the penalty shootout to advance. Across five matches at this tournament they have been hard to beat and calm under pressure. The question is whether Canada's attack can find the same space it found against Qatar, or whether Morocco slows the game down, keeps it level, and trusts its composure again.