Morocco booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after 120 minutes at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
The Round of 32 clash was an entertaining affair from the opening whistle, with both teams creating opportunities in an evenly contested first half.
The Netherlands threatened first in the 16th minute when Crysencio Summerville raced into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Brian Brobbey, only for Issa Diop to produce a crucial defensive clearance.
Morocco responded with captain Achraf Hakimi testing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen twice in quick succession, but the Brighton shot-stopper was equal to both efforts.
The Dutch suffered an injury scare in the 38th minute when Jan Paul van Hecke required treatment following a collision with Noussair Mazraoui during a corner.
Before halftime, Micky van de Ven forced Bono into another important save with a long-range strike, while Morocco nearly grabbed the lead in stoppage time through Azzedine Ounahi, whose powerful effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Morocco continued to look dangerous after the restart, with Hakimi coming within inches of opening the scoring when his thunderous long-range effort crashed against the crossbar in the 52nd minute.
The breakthrough eventually arrived for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute.
Following a long clearance from Verbruggen, Wout Weghorst cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Summerville, who found Cody Gakpo inside the area. The Liverpool forward calmly finished with his right foot to hand the Dutch a 1-0 advantage.
Gakpo celebrated emotionally, dedicating the goal to his recently deceased baby in a touching moment.
Just as the Netherlands appeared to be closing in on victory, Morocco found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time.
Chemsdine Talbi delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where defender Issa Diop rose highest to power home his first international goal in the 90+1st minute, sending the Moroccan supporters into celebration and forcing the match into extra time.
Both sides continued to search for a winner during the additional 30 minutes.
Verbruggen produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 96th minute, making a remarkable double stop to deny Soufiane Rahimi and preserve Dutch hopes.
Despite several late chances, neither team could find the decisive breakthrough, sending the contest to penalties.
The penalty shootout proved just as dramatic as the match itself. Teun Koopmeiners converted the opening kick for the Netherlands, while Morocco suffered an immediate setback when Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar.
Momentum quickly shifted as Justin Kluivert hit the post with the Netherlands’ second penalty before Soufiane Rahimi converted after following up his own saved effort.
Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage before Chemsdine Talbi levelled once again.
Quinten Timber then missed for the Netherlands, while Hakimi also struck the woodwork to keep the tension alive.
The decisive moment belonged to Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan midfielder confidently sent Verbruggen the wrong way with a composed finish into the bottom corner, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Atlas Lions.
The Atlas Lions became the fourth nation to qualify for the last 16, joining Canada, Brazil and Paraguay, after holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to eliminate the Dutch in one of the tournament’s most thrilling knockout encounters.
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 at Houston Stadium.
Credit Photo : FRMF
