World Cup Round of 16: Canada vs Morocco official line-ups announced, David and El Aynaoui start
Quick summary
Official line-ups for the World Cup Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco have been confirmed, with Jonathan David and El Aynaoui both starting.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJuventus striker Jonathan David starts for Canada in the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui’s Morocco.
It kicks off in Houston at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST).
The winners will go on to face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals on July 9.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 18: Jonathan David #10 of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Although he struggled badly in his first Serie A season since the free transfer to Juventus, David’s performances for Canada have shown why the club fought to sign him last summer.
He scored a hat-trick in the 6-0 victory over Qatar, but the co-hosts were also held 1-1 by Bosnia and Herzegovina, then lost the final group game 2-1 to Switzerland.
Canada needed a last-gasp Stephen Eustaquio goal to squeeze past South Africa in the Round of 32.
Alphonso Davies is still not fully fit after his serious injury problems, so starts from the bench, but former Inter winger Tajon Buchanan plays on the right.
Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone is cheering on his teammates again, despite the tournament ending early with a broken leg.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 18: Jonathan David #10 of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations in controversial fashion after the chaotic Final with Senegal, which is still subject to an appeal.
They held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, then beat Scotland and Haiti, eventually eliminating the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out.
Roma midfielder El Aynaoui has really made a name for himself at this tournament and hopes to further boost his profile this evening.
Former Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi, Roma-owned Anass Salah-Eddine, former Milan man Brahim Diaz and ex-Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat are also in the squad.
Defender Chadi Riad limped off in the Round of 32 game and was therefore in doubt today.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with his teammate Donyell Malen during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) Canada vs. Mexico line-ups Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, De Fougerolles, Laryea; Buchanan, Sigur, Eustaquio, Ahmed; David, Oluwaseyi
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
04-07-2026 18:00
Round of 16
NRG Stadium
Canada
Morocco
vs
Season Analytics
Canada
Positions
Morocco
SEASON TOTAL CAN HOME 1 1 0 2 1 1 Last matches 28-06-2026
South Africa
W
0 - 1
24-06-2026
Switzerland
L
2 - 1
18-06-2026
Qatar
W
6 - 0
12-06-2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina
D
1 - 1
18-06-2026
Qatar
W
6 - 0
12-06-2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina
D
1 - 1
SEASON TOTAL MAR AWAY 1 2 0 2 2 0 Last matches
1 - 1
D
Netherlands
30-06-2026
4 - 2
W
Haiti
24-06-2026
0 - 1
W
Scotland
19-06-2026
1 - 1
D
Brazil
13-06-2026
1 - 1
D
Netherlands
30-06-2026
0 - 1
W
Scotland
19-06-2026
1 - 1
D
Brazil
13-06-2026
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What happened
The official line-ups for the World Cup Round of 16 clash between Canada and Morocco have been revealed. Jonathan David starts for Canada, while El Aynaoui features in the Moroccan XI. The match represents a knockout-stage fixture with both teams looking to advance to the quarter-finals. Canada qualified from the group stage and faces a Morocco side that has been one of the surprises of the tournament.
Chance analysis
Line-up announcements are critical for pre-match prediction models as they confirm availability and tactical setup. The inclusion of Jonathan David, Canada's primary attacking threat, is a positive indicator for their offensive output, while El Aynaoui's start for Morocco signals their midfield approach. No major surprise absences are indicated, suggesting both teams are near full strength for this knockout encounter.
No major injury or suspension surprises; both teams field competitive line-ups for this knockout match.
Confirmed line-ups with key attackers Jonathan David and El Aynaoui both starting; no major absences reported, expect both teams at near full strength.