Canada vs Morocco

Canada vs Morocco prediction: Atlas Lions look sharper

Canada vs Morocco prediction searches are heating up for this World Cup knockout game on 2026-07-04 at 18:00 GMT, and with good reason. Canada have already made history, while Morocco arrive with the calm confidence of a team that has learned how to handle big tournament pressure.

The game is set for Houston Stadium, known as NRG Stadium, in Houston, Texas. For local viewers, kick-off is listed as 1:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM CT, and 10:00 AM PT. It is a Round of 16 meeting with a clear contrast: Canada’s emotional, high-energy rise against Morocco’s more controlled and mature football.

Canada’s dream run meets Morocco’s control

Canada, as co-hosts, are playing their first-ever men’s World Cup knockout campaign, and their journey has already given fans plenty to talk about. They finished second in Group B after a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a stunning 6-0 win over Qatar, and a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland. That Qatar result was Canada’s first men’s World Cup win, and Jonathan David’s hat-trick made it a night to remember.

Then came the Round of 32, where Canada beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to Stephen Eustáquio’s 92nd-minute volley. It was the kind of goal that turns a tournament story into a national memory. Canada also know how to surprise bigger names: in July 2024, they held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw despite pre-match odds of 6.04 against them.

The biggest team news is the return of Alphonso Davies. After missing the group stage with a hamstring issue, the captain came on in the 75th minute against South Africa. His comeback carried extra emotion, as it happened at the same Los Angeles venue where he suffered his serious ACL injury in March 2025. Canada will hope he can now play a larger role, especially on the left side where his pace can change a match in seconds.

There is also a difficult absence. Ismaël Koné is out after a broken leg suffered against Qatar. His surgery has been completed, and Canada’s players have kept him close by celebrating with his number 8 jersey. Tactically, Jesse Marsch’s side will likely stay brave: press high, force errors, and attack fast through Davies, David, and direct runners.

Morocco’s new style has real weight

Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference. Their campaign included a 1-1 draw with Brazil, a 1-0 win over Scotland, and a 4-2 victory against Haiti. That Brazil draw was especially notable because Morocco were priced at 5.76, yet still earned a result away from home. This is not a side that gets nervous when the opponent’s name is big.

In the Round of 32, Morocco knocked out the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty shootout win. Issa Diop’s 91st-minute equalizer forced extra time, while Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty. That kind of win can drain a team, but it can also build belief very quickly.

Under Mohamed Ouahbi, appointed in March 2026, Morocco have moved away from being only a compact counter-attacking team. They now use a 4-2-3-1 that often becomes a 2-3-5 in possession. Against the Netherlands, they even controlled 70% of the ball, which says a lot about their confidence. With Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Yassine Bounou leading the core, Morocco have quality in every key zone.

• Canada’s strength: pressing, speed, emotion, and transition attacks.
• Morocco’s strength: possession, technical control, and tournament experience.
• Key battle: Davies’ left-side runs against Morocco’s structure and Hakimi’s influence.
• Head to head angle: both teams are capable of close games, but Morocco look more balanced.

Canada vs Morocco prediction, odds and betting tips

Now to the numbers. The market has Morocco as clear favorites, and our model agrees. The current 1x2 odds are 4.9 for Canada, 3.55 for the draw, and 1.85 for Morocco. The NerdyTips best tip is Morocco to win, rated 8.5/10 in trust, with odds of 1.85.

This fits the wider match picture. Canada have heart, pace, and home-continent energy, but Morocco are projected to have 64% possession compared to Canada’s 36%. That is a big gap, especially in a knockout match where control often matters as much as creativity.

Projected match statistics

• Possession: Canada 36% – Morocco 64%
• Shots: Canada 8 – Morocco 14
• Shots on goal: Canada 3 – Morocco 5
• Corners: Canada 5 – Morocco 6
• Total corners expected: 11
• Yellow cards: Canada 2 – Morocco 1

The squad value gap also supports the away-team angle. Canada’s total market value is around €121.25m, while Morocco’s stands at €434.45m. Money does not win football matches by itself, of course, but it often reflects squad depth and top-level experience. In this case, Morocco’s bench and starting XI both look stronger on paper.

The AI-generated 1x2 prediction favors 2, meaning an away win, with a calculated trust score of 8.5 and odds of 1.85. For bettors looking at Canada vs Morocco betting tips, the away win is the strongest selection. It is not a wild price, but it is supported by form, tactical balance, and projected match control.

Goals market and correct score view

The under/over prediction points to under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.66, but with a modest confidence rating of 3.7. That lower confidence makes sense. Canada can create chaos in transition, while Morocco have enough attacking talent to score more than once. Still, knockout football can slow down after the first goal, and Morocco’s control may limit Canada’s clear chances.

The predicted half-time score is 0:1, with Morocco expected to strike first. The final score prediction is Canada 0-2 Morocco. It is a result that matches the expected shot count, possession share, and overall quality gap.

Final verdict

Our Canada vs Morocco prediction is an away win. Canada’s story is already special, and with Davies back, they will not go quietly. But Morocco look more complete, more composed, and better equipped to manage the key moments. NerdyTips’ main pick: 2, Morocco to win, odds 1.85.