Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey on Monday night.
The Netherlands appeared destined for victory after Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute. However, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time through Issa Diop, whose powerful header forced the contest into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to a tense penalty shootout.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save from Crysencio Summerville after earlier misses by both teams kept the shootout on a knife edge. Although Achraf Hakimi failed to convert a chance to seal victory, Ismael Saibari calmly scored the decisive spot-kick to send the Atlas Lions through.
The result extends Morocco’s impressive World Cup run, with the African side advancing to the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada. The defeat, meanwhile, ended the Netherlands’ campaign despite taking the lead and coming within minutes of qualification.
