Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup started, Canada had never won a single match at a World Cup, although Jesse Marsch now has the Reds potentially 90 minutes away from the quarter-final.
A win over Morocco in the Round of 16 would see Canadian football history made, although it will undoubtedly be a tough match considering the African giants have already knocked out the Netherlands and held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Group C.
On the contrary, what will happen if Canada lose to Morocco? Let’s take a look.
Prize money
The Canadian Soccer Association will take a small financial hit if Morocco – who are abbreviated to MAR – defeat Canada in the Round of 16.
Should Marsch – who was criticised for kissing the Canada badge – secure the historic victory, his side will receive a sum of CAD$27m for reaching the last eight.
However, the Canadian Soccer Association will only bank CAD$21.3m in comparison if Morocco knock Canada out in the Round of 16 – according to the official FIFA website.
Holiday arrangements
Should Morocco put an end to this record World Cup run from Canada – who lost Ismael Kone to a broken leg in the group stage win over Qatar – it will see Marsch and his squad return to basecamp at the National Soccer Development Centre in Vancouver.
The players can then begin their mandatory three-week holiday period, which was arranged by global player union FIFPRO during talks with FIFA in the summer of 2025, amid concerns over the introduction of the summer edition of the Club World Cup.
However, players can choose to return to their clubs for pre-season preparations before those three weeks are up if they want to do so.
Jesse Marsch set to stay put regardless of Morocco result
A World Cup defeat can often signal the departure of the head coach.
Already at this tournament, Steve Clarke resigned after Scotland were humiliated in Group C – while Ronald Koeman also stepped down after the Netherlands lost to Morocco in the Round of 32.
Julian Nagelsmann also quit after Germany lost to Paraguay.
However, the Canadian Soccer Association agreed a new four-year contract with Marsch before the World Cup started, which expires after the 2030 World Cup, so the former Leeds United boss is safe regardless of what happens against Morocco.
