Morocco coach Walid Regragui will not make the mistake of playing for a draw against Canada as they look to make it out of the World Cup group stage for the first time in more than 35 years.

Following a stunning 2-0 victory over Belgium, the Atlas Lions stand on the verge of reaching the knockout rounds for only the second time in the country’s history, last doing so in 1986.

Canada, meanwhile, have only pride left to play for following a 4-1 defeat to Croatia after being edged out by Belgium in the opening Group F match after Alphonso Davies’ first-half penalty was saved.

Regragui, though, maintains Morocco must stay fully focussed against a team intent on finishing the tournament on a positive note as Canada look ahead to co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

“We know that we are coming up against a team which has got nothing to lose as they are already eliminated and will be out to hold their heads up high,” said Regragui, who replaced Vahid Halilhodzic as Morocco head coach just three months ago.

“But we also have a lot to get out of the game. We are motivated and are preparing for a difficult game.”

Regragui added: “It would be an error to go into the match thinking you only need to give 20 or 30 per cent because the draw is fine for us.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com