Morocco sets new African World Cup records with Netherlands victory

Morocco has etched new records for African football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. The match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, saw Issa Diop score a late equalizer for Morocco, forcing the game into penalties.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero in the shootout, saving the decisive penalty from the Netherlands' Crysencio Summerville, allowing Ismael Saibari to convert the winning kick for the Atlas Lions. This win marks Morocco's third progression from a FIFA World Cup knockout tie, equaling the combined total of all other African nations in the competition's history.

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Morocco have now progressed from three FIFA World Cup knockout ties, equalling the combined total of all other African nations in the history of the competition.

Opta statistics revealed Morocco achieved 70 percent possession against the Netherlands, the highest recorded by an African team in a World Cup knockout match since records began in 1966. This performance builds on their historic semi-final run in the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African team to reach that stage.

Under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over a few months prior, Morocco continues to develop the strong foundation laid by Walid Regragui. The team, which entered the tournament as Africa's highest-ranked side, will now face co-hosts Canada in the next round.

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It is the highest possession recorded by an African team in a FIFA World Cup knockout match since records began in 1966.