Morocco Beat the Netherlands on Penalties to Reach the 2026 World Cup Round of 16

Morocco have reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic knockout match.

The game in Monterrey ended 1-1 after regular and extra time. After a tense first half, the match became far more lively after the break. Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, but Morocco managed to rescue the game in the closing stages.

In the 92nd minute, central defender Issa Diop headed home the equalizer, sending the match into extra time. The teams failed to find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, so the spot in the next round was decided by a penalty shootout.

Morocco proved more accurate from the spot, winning the shootout 3-2. The key moment came when Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty. Ismael Saibari then converted Morocco’s decisive kick to seal victory for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco will now continue their World Cup campaign and face Canada in the Round of 16. The match will take place on July 4 in Houston.