Moroccan football supporters gather along Mohammed V Boulevard in downtown Rabat to celebrate Morocco's historic qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Fifa World Cup following the Atlas Lions' impressive 3–0 victory over Canada on July 4, 2026.
Image: bdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP
The streets of Casablanca exploded into a sea of red and green on Saturday night after Morocco's emphatic 3-0 victory over Canada secured another historic place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Moroccan midfield sensation Azzedine Ounahi put the African nation 2-0 up with two similar goals from the within the 18-yard box. One below the Canadian keeper and one above his head.
The two goals were enough to cause widespread celebrations but the third goal, 7 minutes into extra time, put the nail on Canada's coffin.
Within minutes of the final whistle, thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Morocco's largest city, waving national flags, sounding car horns and chanting the names of the Atlas Lions.
Major roads, including the famous Corniche Boulevard, were brought to a standstill as jubilant fans climbed onto car roofs, danced in the streets and embraced complete strangers in celebration.
Fireworks lit up the night sky while flares filled the air with clouds of red smoke as the party stretched long into the early hours.
The celebrations reflected not only joy over beating World Cup co-hosts Canada but also immense national pride. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on more than one occasion, further cementing the country's place among football's elite.
Cafés, public squares and fan zones across Casablanca had been packed throughout the match, erupting with every Moroccan goal before spilling into the streets at full time.
Families, children and elderly supporters joined the festivities, creating a carnival atmosphere that united the city.
With a quarter-final showdown against France now awaiting, belief is growing that Morocco can produce another unforgettable World Cup run.
For one unforgettable night, however, football took over Casablanca as an entire nation celebrated a team that continues to inspire African football.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch