Morocco Knock Out Netherlands on Penalties to Reach World Cup Last 16

Morocco booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Atlas Lions eliminated the Dutch at the earliest stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history.

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The Atlas Lions will now face Canada in the round of 16, with the match scheduled to be the first knockout fixture of the next phase.

The Netherlands appeared set to progress after Cody Gakpo gave them the lead in the 72nd minute. The forward's goal, dedicated to his recently deceased unborn child, visibly moved his teammates. However, Morocco refused to yield. Deep into stoppage time, Issa Diop headed home a long cross in the 91st minute, forcing the match into extra time.

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Morocco, however, refused to surrender.

Neither side could find a decisive goal in the additional 30 minutes, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the hero, saving a penalty when the score was tied 2-2 after four rounds. Ismael Saibari then calmly converted the winning penalty, sealing Morocco's historic victory.

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The shootout proved tense and unpredictable, with both teams missing twice.

The defeat marked a significant disappointment for the Netherlands, who had reached at least the round of 16 in all their previous eight World Cup appearances. This match featured two of the tournament's highest-ranked teams, with Morocco ranked sixth and the Netherlands seventh globally. Morocco will now face Canada in the next round.

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Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero after diving to his left to deny Summerville's spot-kick when the score stood at 2-2 after four rounds.