Jesse Marsch expects Canada's toughest World Cup challenge against Morocco

Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but Marsch believes that result has little relevance heading into the high-stakes knockout encounter in Houston.

Instead, the Canadian coach says both nations have evolved significantly since then, with his focus firmly on helping his players write a new chapter in the country's football history.

"There's not a ton of motivation for anyone in our camp to say that we lost last World Cup to Morocco and now we need to right that wrong," Marsch told reporters on Friday.

"This is a different time. They're a different team. We're a different team. This is a very different moment and we just want to do everything we can to find a way to get the result."

Canada have already enjoyed their most successful World Cup campaign, reaching the knockout rounds for the first time after recording the nation's maiden global tournament victory against Bafana Bafana in the Round of 32.

However, Marsch believes his players must produce their best performance yet if they are to overcome a Morocco side he rates among the tournament favourites.

The former Leeds United manager described the Atlas Lions as a team with "literally zero weaknesses", praising their quality across the pitch and warning that his players cannot afford to lose concentration.

"This is where we expect to be and this is where we want to be, and we know that Morocco is going to challenge every single thing we do," he said.
"They know how big a moment this is. I expect their best performance of the tournament and it would be foolish to expect anything else."

Canada have also received a timely boost ahead of the clash, with star full-back Alphonso Davies declared available after making his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute in the victory over South Africa.