VANCOUVER, British Columbia – June 18: Canada’s Jonathan David celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Juventus striker Jonathan David will start for Canada in the World Cup round of 16 against Roma midfielder Neil El Ainaoui’s Morocco.
The game opens in Houston at 18:00 UK time (19:00 CET).
The winner will face either France or Paraguay in the quarterfinals on July 9.
Although he struggled mightily in his first Serie A season since his free transfer to Juventus, David’s performances for Canada show why the club fought hard to sign him last summer.
They scored a hat-trick against Qatar and won 6-0, but they were drawn 1-1 by Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were also the host countries, and lost to Switzerland 2-1 in the final group match.
Canada needed Stephen Eustaquio’s final goal to defeat South Africa in the Round of 32.
Alphonso Davies starts on the bench as he is not yet fully fit after sustaining a serious injury, while former Inter winger Tajon Buchanan plays on the right flank.
Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone is once again rooting for his team-mates despite the competition ending early due to a broken leg.
Morocco controversially won the African Cup of Nations after a chaotic final against Senegal, who are still the subject of an appeal.
They held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, then beat Scotland and Haiti, and ultimately eliminated the Netherlands on penalties.
Roma midfielder El Ainaoui has really made a name for himself in this competition and will be hoping to increase his profile even more tonight.
Former Inter full-back Achraf Hakimi, Roma-owned Anas Salah Edin, ex-AClan Brahim Dias and former Fiorentina midfielder Sofian Amrabat are also named in the squad.
Defender Chadi Riyad limped off during the Round of 32 match and was doubted to play today.
Canada vs. Mexico lineup
Canada: Crepeau. Johnston, Bonbito, de Fougerolles, L’Ariere. Buchanan, Cigar, Eustaquio, Ahmed. Oluwaseyi, David
Morocco: Bounow. Hakimi, Diop, Harhar, Mazraoui. Bouadi, El Ainaoui, Unahi. Brahim Diaz, Saibari, El Cannous
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