Morocco's Unahi Scores After Avoiding Red Card for Shirt Pull Against Canada

In the 2026 World Cup match between Morocco and host nation Canada, Morocco took the lead with a goal by Azeddine Ounahi in the 50th minute. The goal followed a well-executed team play, but what drew global attention was Ounahi's earlier foul where he pulled a Canadian player's shirt yet avoided receiving a second yellow card. This was notable given the new World Cup rule allowing VAR to upgrade a second yellow card to a red card. The referee, Michael Oliver, had already issued six yellow cards in the first half alone, a record number of cautions for a World Cup first half according to OPTA. Despite the intense officiating, Ounahi remained on the field and scored just three minutes after the incident, helping Morocco take a 1-0 lead against Canada.