With a 2-1 victory over Canada, Morocco advanced to the round of 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-goals Nesyri’s helped the North Africans finish first in Group F, beating out Croatia, who finished second at the 2018 World Cup.

Morocco will play the Group E runners-up in the round of 16, with the identity of their opponents to be revealed later on Thursday. Morocco last advanced to the World Cup knockout stages in 1986.

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Canada’s defeat meanwhile capped a disappointing World Cup for the CONCACAF side, who depart after losing all three of their group games on their long-awaited return to the finals.

After defeating Belgium 2-0 on Sunday, Morocco put themselves firmly on the path to the second round. As a result, they only needed a point against Canada on Thursday to guarantee their advancement.

After the Moroccans took the lead after just four minutes in front of 43,102 spectators at the Al-Thumama Stadium, achieving that goal never seemed in doubt.

Milan Borjan, the goalkeeper and captain of Canada, sprinted off his line to intercept a backpass from Steven Vitoria, but he was helpless to do anything but watch in horror as the ball went to Ziyech of Morocco.

The Chelsea star took advantage of the situation with ruthlessness, calmly finishing over Borjan into the empty net for a 1-0 score.

Morocco thought they had restored their two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time when En-Nesyri lashed home eight yards out only for the effort to be deemed offside.

After defeating Belgium 2-0 on Sunday, Morocco put themselves firmly on the path to the second round. As a result, they only needed a point against Canada on Thursday to guarantee their advancement.

After the Moroccans took the lead after just four minutes in front of 43,102 spectators at the Al-Thumama Stadium, achieving that goal never seemed in doubt.

Milan Borjan, the goalkeeper and captain of Canada, sprinted off his line to intercept a backpass from Steven Vitoria, but he was helpless to do anything but watch in horror as the ball went to Ziyech of Morocco.

The Chelsea star took advantage of the situation with ruthlessness, calmly finishing over Borjan into the empty net for a 1-0 score.

Alphonso Davies launched a shot just wide for Canada to open the second half on a strong note.

Morocco, however, sank lower, and Canada lacked the ingenuity to pose a significant threat.

On minute 71, substitute Atiba Hutchinson’s header from a corner crashed off the underside of the crossbar and bounced off the goal line, giving them their best chance to tie the score.

Full-back Alistair Johnston was unable to contain the rebound, maintaining Morocco’s advantage.

Borjan, the captain of Canada, came dangerously close to being caught out again in extra time, but Davies was there to put a stop to it before the raucous Moroccan fans erupted in celebration after the final whistle.