Canada and Morocco will meet at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday afternoon, as both nations compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals.Canada reached the round of 16 after beating South Africa in the previous round, while Morocco advanced after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties.Verdict: Morocco to winBest odds: 3/4Bookmaker: 888sportCanadaCanada enters this match as one of the biggest stories of the tournament. Jesse Marsch’s side has already made national football history by earning its first World Cup point, recording its first World Cup win and reaching the knockout stage.That momentum should not be underestimated. Canada has played with intensity, belief and energy throughout the tournament, and Marsch has built a team that is physically strong, aggressive without the ball and dangerous when it can attack space.The round-of-32 win over South Africa was another major step. Canada found a way through a tight match and showed the kind of resilience required in knockout football. That matters, especially against a Morocco side that had to play 120 minutes against the Netherlands.The possible return of Alphonso Davies to the starting lineup also gives Canada a lift. Davies came off the bench against South Africa and made an immediate impact, and Marsch has said he is ready to start if needed. His pace and ball-carrying ability could be crucial if Canada wants to stretch Morocco’s defensive shape.Canada Team NewsJesse Marsch has not yet confirmed whether Alphonso Davies will start. The Canada captain played his first minutes of the tournament against South Africa, coming on in the 75th minute, and his return gives the team a major boost.Marsch has also pointed to Canada’s fitness as a possible advantage. His side has covered huge distances at the tournament, and the coach believes that freshness could matter after Morocco’s extra-time match against the Netherlands.Jonathan David should remain one of Canada’s key attacking players. His movement, pressing and finishing ability can give Morocco problems, especially if Davies or Tajon Buchanan can create space from wide areas.Stephen Eustaquio should also be important in midfield. Canada will need his energy and passing range to help the team compete against Morocco’s technical midfielders.MoroccoMorocco enters this match as the favorite and with good reason. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side has looked like a serious tournament team from the start, drawing with Brazil in the group stage before beating Scotland and Haiti, then eliminating the Netherlands in the round of 32.That run confirms that Morocco’s 2022 semifinal appearance was not a one-off. This squad still has leaders from that historic campaign, but it also has a younger, sharper layer of players who have added more pace and creativity.The win over the Netherlands should give Morocco even more confidence. It was a physically demanding match, but coming through on penalties against a major European side is another sign of the team’s mentality.Morocco is organized, athletic and technically gifted. Achraf Hakimi gives the team width and threat from right-back, Brahim Diaz can create from tight spaces, while Ismael Saibari has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in the squad.Morocco Team NewsMohamed Ouahbi is expected to return to his strongest available lineup after the draining win over the Netherlands. Morocco had to play 120 minutes in that match, so recovery will be important.Achraf Hakimi should remain one of the key players. His battle with Canada’s left side could shape the match, especially if Davies starts and tries to push forward.Ismael Saibari should also be heavily involved. He has been one of Morocco’s standout attacking players at the tournament and gives the team a direct goal threat from advanced areas.Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi can help Morocco control possession and create chances between the lines. If Morocco can settle into rhythm early, it should be able to move Canada around and create openings.Canada vs Morocco Key Factors to ConsiderCanada has already recorded its first World Cup point and first World Cup win.Morocco reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals and has carried that experience into another strong tournament.Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the round of 32.Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Alphonso Davies could start after returning from injury against South Africa.Morocco played 120 minutes in the previous round, which could give Canada a fitness edge.ConclusionCanada has earned respect at this tournament. Marsch’s side is intense, fit and confident, and the possible return of Davies to the starting lineup gives it another major weapon.Morocco still looks like the stronger pick. Ouahbi’s side has more knockout experience, more technical quality and more players who can decide a tight game. The Atlas Lions have already handled Brazil and the Netherlands in this tournament, so Canada will need another huge performance to reach the quarterfinals.This should be competitive, especially if Canada keeps the tempo high and uses its freshness well. Still, Morocco has the better balance, stronger tournament pedigree and enough attacking quality to win in normal time.Verdict: Morocco to winBest odds: 3/4Bookmaker: 888sportThe post Prediction: Canada vs Morocco appeared first on SoccerNews.