2026 World Cup: Morocco Knock Out Netherlands on Penalties to Reach Round of 16

Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, overcoming the Netherlands in a tense 4-3 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play. The match took place at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Netherlands initially took the lead in the 72nd minute. Cody Gakpo received a pass inside the penalty box and slotted a low shot past Yassine Bono, giving the Dutch a 1-0 advantage. Despite Morocco dominating possession for much of the game and creating several opportunities through players like Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss, they struggled to find the equalizer.

Hakimi had come close earlier, hitting the crossbar in the second half. However, Morocco's persistence paid off in the first minute of second-half stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home a long ball from Chemsdine Talbi, leveling the score at 1-1 and forcing the match into extra time.

In the extra period, both teams had chances. Soufiane Rahimi's shot in the 96th minute was saved by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, while the Netherlands also threatened with crosses that Morocco's defense managed to thwart. The match ultimately went to penalties, where Morocco emerged victorious after Saibari scored the decisive kick.