Morocco Knock Out Netherlands On Penalties To Reach World Cup Last 16
Sports Updated: 30 June 2026 09:53 EAT
Photo courtesy : Morocco celebrate at full time whistle as they await extra time play
Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash.
The Atlas Lions once again showcased their resilience on football's biggest stage, recovering from a late deficit before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to eliminate the Dutch and continue their impressive tournament run.
The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo found the back of the net after a closely contested encounter in which both teams created chances but struggled to convert them.
Morocco refused to give up and were rewarded in stoppage time when defender Issa Diop rose to head home an equaliser in the 91st minute from a cross delivered by Chemsdine Talbi, sending the match into extra time.
Neither side managed to produce a winning goal during the additional 30 minutes despite several opportunities, leaving the outcome to be decided by penalties.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again emerged as the hero, producing a decisive save during the shootout after both teams exchanged successful penalties and misses in a tense battle from the spot.
Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty to hand Morocco a 3-2 shootout victory and spark jubilant celebrations among the players and travelling supporters.
The Netherlands paid the price for missed penalties from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville, while Morocco displayed remarkable composure under pressure to complete the upset.
Throughout the match, Morocco remained disciplined defensively and threatened on the counterattack, while the Netherlands controlled spells of possession but failed to make their dominance count.
The victory adds another significant chapter to Morocco's growing reputation on the world stage following their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, confirming their status as one of the tournament's most formidable teams.
For the Netherlands, the defeat marked an earlier-than-expected exit from the competition and represented another painful World Cup elimination through a penalty shootout.
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 after the North Americans advanced from their own Round of 32 tie, with the Atlas Lions aiming to continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
Tags: Fifa 2026 World Cup FIFA World Cup 2026 Morocco Morocco National Team Netherlands Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya World Cup World Cup 2026 World Cup 2026
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FELIX MAKONA
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