Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup round of 16
Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time, securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, where they will face Canada.
In Monterrey, Morocco advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup by defeating the Netherlands on penalties (3-2) following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time. The Atlas Lions secured their place in the knockout stage and will now meet Canada in Houston on Saturday.
The Netherlands took the lead midway through the second half through Cody Gakpo, who played days after his partner confirmed the death of their unborn son. Gakpo sank to the turf, overwhelmed with emotion, as teammates surrounded him in a prolonged group embrace. However, Morocco forced extra time when an unmarked Issa Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi's cross deep into stoppage time.
In the penalty shootout, Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the Netherlands' fifth spot-kick from Crysencio Summerville, allowing Ismael Saibari to blast home the winner and seal a 3-2 shootout victory.
The match was a tense, hard-fought affair. Morocco created the better chances, with Neil al-Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi testing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Van de Ven also forced a fine save from Bounou. The second half saw Wout Weghorst introduced, and he set up the goal for Gakpo. Despite the Dutch holding on for penalties, Morocco recovered after missing their first attempt when Al-Aynaoui hit the bar.
