Morocco reach World Cup last-16 with shootout win over Netherlands
Morocco defeated Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time to emerge as the first African team to book a place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions dominated the game with over 70% of possession but after a tense first half, it was Netherlands that opened scoring in the 75th minute of the game through Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo.
Just when the Netherlands thought they had the game in control, Morocco scored the equalizer in the 91st minute of stoppage time when defender Issa Diop netted a dramatic header to level scores at 1-1.
Both teams struggled to find the back of the net in 30 minutes of regulation time, thus forcing the game into the dreaded penalty shootout.
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The tense penalty shootout played into the hands of Morocco with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making a decisive save against West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.
Dutch players Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber missed their targets completely but Morocco star player Ismael Saibari converted the final, winning spot-kick, to send the Netherlands crashing out of the 2026 World Cup.
Key match statistics: Netherlands Vs Morocco
Possession: Netherlands 30% Morocco 70%
Accurate Passes: Netherlands 293 (79%) – Morocco 800 (91%)
Total Shots: Netherlands 6 – Morocco 11
Shots on Goal: Netherlands 2 – Morocco 5
Big Chances: Netherlands 1 – Morocco 4
Duels Won: Netherlands 54 – Morocco 51
Fouls Committed: Netherlands 18 – Morocco 15
Goalkeeper Saves: Netherlands 5 – Morocco 1
