World Cup blockbuster: Canada and Morocco line-ups out

The World Cup round of 16 gets under way with Canada against Morocco at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the starting line-ups are now confirmed. Co-hosts Canada are experiencing the first last-16 appearance in their history, while 2022 semifinalists Morocco are aiming to take their campaign to another level in what is the most eagerly awaited test of the day.

Jesse Marsch's Canada line up in a 4-4-2. Captain Stephen Eustáquio, whose 92nd-minute winner sank South Africa in the round of 32, anchors the midfield, while Jonathan David, scorer of a hat-trick earlier in the tournament, partners Tani Oluwaseyi up front. The most striking call is that Alphonso Davies, still managing his fitness, once again starts on the bench. Flores and the injured Koné remain unavailable for the Canadians.

Mohamed Ouahbi's Morocco stick with their familiar 4-2-3-1. Bono, the penalty-shootout hero against the Netherlands, starts in goal and captain Achraf Hakimi patrols the right flank. Halhal gets the nod ahead of Riad in central defence, while an attacking trio of Brahim Díaz, Ounahi and El Khannouss will feed Ismael Saibari, the tournament star recently signed by Bayern Munich. Morocco's top scorer with three goals, Saibari also converted the decisive penalty that eliminated the Dutch in the round of 32. Aguerd and Ezzalzouli both miss out through injury.

The two nations have met once before on the World Cup stage, with Morocco winning their 2022 group meeting 2-1. Saturday's winner will face either France or Paraguay in the quarterfinals in Boston.

Starting XIs
Canada (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Bombito, Laryea; Buchanan, Sigur, Eustáquio, Ahmed; David, Oluwaseyi
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Halhal, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari

Image: Ahram Online