Egyptian Legend Essam El Hadary Hails Moroccan Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou After 3-0 Victory Over Canada

In a post‑match interview with Sky News Arabia, former Egyptian international goalkeeper Essam El Hadary lifted a glowing tribute to Morocco’s Yassine Bounou. “I take my hat off to a truly great, world‑class goalkeeper, and I bow in respect to him,” El Hadary said, adding that Bounou “deserves to receive his full share of appreciation; he isn’t just half the team, he represents 85 percent of its strength.” The retired Egypt keeper, who amassed 159 caps before hanging up his gloves in 2018, admitted that his earlier claim of being the greatest Arab goalkeeper now seems eclipsed by Bounou’s performances.

The match, played on 4 July at Houston Stadium in Texas, ended 3‑0 in favour of the Atlas Lions. Morocco’s clean sheet was largely a product of Bounou’s mastery of the penalty area and a series of decisive saves, including a stunning reflex that denied a Canadian penalty early in the second half. The win catapulted Morocco into the quarter‑finals, where they will face France at Boston Stadium on Thursday.

Bounou, born 5 April 1991, has been Morocco’s first‑choice goalkeeper since 2013. He began his senior career with Wydad AC before moving to Spain, where he logged more than 150 La Liga appearances and captured the Zamora Trophy in 2021‑22. In 2023 he was ranked thirteenth in the Ballon d’Or and third in the FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards, and he currently plies his trade with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

El Hadary’s own career was largely defined by his time with Al Ahly in Egypt. He became the oldest player to appear in a World Cup match in 2018, when he was 45 years and 161 days old. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching and has worked with several clubs across the region.

Morocco’s 2026 campaign has been historic. The Atlas Lions were the first African and first Arab team to reach a World Cup semi‑final in 2022 and have since set a record for the longest winning streak in international football, with 19 consecutive victories. Their 3‑0 win over Canada was the third‑round match of the tournament, following a 3‑0 triumph over the United States in the group stage.

Canada, one of the three co‑hosts of the 2026 World Cup, entered the round‑of‑16 after a 0‑0 draw with the United States and a 1‑0 loss to Morocco in the group stage. The 3‑0 defeat ended their tournament run.

The upcoming quarter‑final against France will test Morocco’s defensive solidity and Bounou’s shot‑stopping ability against a side that finished third in the 2022 World Cup. France’s goalkeeper, a seasoned World Cup veteran, will be a key opponent for Bounou.

El Hadary’s comments arrive as Moroccan football garners growing international attention. The country’s success has sparked discussions about the development of football infrastructure and talent pipelines across North Africa. Bounou’s move to Al Hilal also highlights the rising trend of top African players signing with clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

In the interview, El Hadary said, “Bounou deserves to play for the best club in the world, and in the strongest league in the world.” While no transfer has been announced, the statement underscores the high regard in which Bounou is held by peers and former players.

The Atlas Lions’ next match will be played at Boston Stadium, a venue that hosted several group‑stage matches during the 2026 tournament. Morocco’s performance against Canada has reinforced their reputation as a disciplined and resilient side, and the team’s coach has praised the squad’s cohesion.

The 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, has seen several historic moments, including Morocco’s record‑breaking run and the expansion of the tournament to 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

As the quarter‑final approaches, Moroccan fans and supporters worldwide are watching closely to see whether the team can maintain its momentum and challenge for a place in the semi‑finals.

The match against France will be broadcast globally, and the outcome will determine whether Morocco continues its unprecedented run in the tournament.

In summary, Essam El Hadary’s praise of Yassine Bounou highlights the goalkeeper’s pivotal role in Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign. Bounou’s performances have earned him recognition from former legends, and his future prospects remain a topic of interest for clubs and national teams alike.