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Morocco stun Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to reach the World Cup Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw.
  • Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save, and striker Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty.
  • Morocco will face Canada in the next round, having secured a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time.

Morocco has advanced to the Round of 16 in the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. The thrilling encounter at Monterrey Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco ultimately prevailing 3-2 in the shootout.

Morocco's goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, emerged as the hero, making the crucial save against the Netherlands' fifth penalty taker, Crysencio Summerville. Striker Ismael Saibari then stepped up to confidently convert the winning spot-kick, sealing Morocco's passage to the next stage.

Morocco's defender #14 Issa Diop (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with forward #09 Soufiane Rahimi during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between the Netherlands and Morocco at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on June 29, 2026.

— AFP CaptionDescribing the celebration after Morocco's dramatic equalizer.

The match was a tense affair, with Morocco forcing extra time through a dramatic equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time. Defender Issa Diop headed home a cross from substitute Chemsdine Talbi, canceling out Cody Gakpo's second-half goal for the Netherlands. Gakpo's goal came shortly after his partner had confirmed the death of their unborn son, a moment that saw him visibly overcome with emotion.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win.

— AFPDetailing the decisive moments of the penalty shootout.

Morocco's victory sets up a Round of 16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday. The Atlas Lions created the better chances throughout a fractious match, characterized by fierce tackles from both sides. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen of the Netherlands made several key saves, denying Morocco's Neil al-Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi on multiple occasions.

Despite enjoying periods of possession, the Dutch struggled to convert their chances. Morocco's resilience and late-game heroics ultimately proved decisive, securing their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

But Morocco forced extra time when an unmarked Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross in injury time.

— AFPDescribing the dramatic equalizer that sent the match into extra time.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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