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Morocco edge Netherlands in shootout to seal last-16 berth
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.06.26. | 07:10
Morocco will now turn their attention to a Round of 16 clash against Canada as they continue their quest for another memorable World Cup run.
Morocco booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Estadio Monterrey on Tuesday.
The Atlas Lions held their nerve from 12 yards to win the shootout after a fiercely contested encounter that remained level through 120 minutes. Morocco will now face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.
The opening half was an entertaining tactical battle, with Morocco creating the better opportunities. Neil El Aynaoui forced Bart Verbruggen into a superb save with a powerful header before Achraf Hakimi twice came close, first drawing a brilliant stop from the Dutch goalkeeper before rattling the crossbar early in the second half.
The Netherlands gradually settled into the contest and finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. Cody Gakpo latched onto a clever pass inside the area before firing a composed low finish beyond Bono to hand Ronald Koeman's side a precious 1-0 lead.
Morocco refused to surrender and dominated the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Chemsdine Talbi delivered an inviting lofted cross for Issa Diop, who rose highest to power a close-range header into the top corner and send the match into stoppage time level at 1-1.
Neither side could find a winner during six minutes of added time, forcing the contest into extra time.
Morocco looked the more dangerous side during the additional 30 minutes, controlling possession and carving out the clearest chances. Soufiane Rahimi came agonisingly close in the 96th minute after creating space inside the area, but Verbruggen produced an outstanding save to keep the Dutch alive.
The Netherlands struggled to threaten consistently as Morocco's defence stood firm, with both teams unable to find the decisive breakthrough before the final whistle signalled a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved every bit as dramatic as the match itself.
Soufiane Rahimi confidently converted Morocco's opening kick despite Verbruggen getting a hand to the ball. Wout Weghorst and Teun Koopmeiners responded for the Netherlands, while Talbi also found the net for Morocco.
The Dutch, however, faltered when Quinten Timber fired wide before Bono brilliantly denied Crysencio Summerville. Although El Aynaoui struck the crossbar and Hakimi also failed to convert for Morocco, Justin Kluivert's effort crashed against the post, handing Morocco the advantage.
Ismael Saibari then calmly slotted the decisive penalty into the bottom-left corner after sending Verbruggen the wrong way, sealing Morocco's place in the last 16 and ending the Netherlands' World Cup campaign.
Morocco will now turn their attention to a Round of 16 clash against Canada as they continue their quest for another memorable World Cup run.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Round of 32
Sunday
South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)
/Eustaquio 90+2/
Monday
Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)
/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/
Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (1-1)
/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/
Tuesday
Netherlands-Morocco 3-2 on penalties (1-1)
/Gakpo 72'- Diop 90+1/
20.00: (3.50) Ivory Coast (3.55) Norway (2.10)
00.00: (1.30) France (5.80) Sweden (9.00)
Wednesday
04.00: (2.25) Mexico (2.95) Ecuador (3.85)
19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)
23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)
Thursday
03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)
22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)
Friday
02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)
06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)
21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)
Saturday
01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)
04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)
***odds are subject to change***