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 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
The fiercely contested Round of 32 encounter appeared to be heading in favour of the Dutch after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. The forward finished off a swift attacking move to put the Netherlands within touching distance of qualification.
Morocco, however, refused to surrender.
With time running out, Issa Diop rose highest to meet a late delivery in stoppage time and powered a header into the net in the 90+1st minute, sending Moroccan supporters into celebration and forcing the match into extra time.
Both sides created chances during the additional 30 minutes, but neither could find a breakthrough. Morocco came closest when Soufiane Rahimi found himself one-on-one with Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who produced a remarkable save to keep his side alive.
The tension continued into the penalty shootout.
In a nervy battle from the spot, both teams missed key penalties, but Morocco held their composure when it mattered most. Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick to seal a 3-2 shootout victory and spark jubilant celebrations among the North African side.
The result sends Morocco into the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada, while the Netherlands bow out after a heartbreaking defeat.
Morocco’s victory continues their impressive World Cup journey and adds another major upset to an already dramatic knockout stage.
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