Morocco Stun Netherlands on Penalties to Reach World Cup Last 16
Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou again proving decisive in the shootout at Estadio Monterrey on Tuesday.
The match remained goalless at half-time before Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, finishing off Crysencio Summerville’s cross. Morocco responded in stoppage time when defender Issa Diop headed home from Chemsdine Talbi’s delivery to force extra time.
Morocco came closest to winning the tie before penalties, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied Soufiane Rahimi with a strong save, sending the match to a shootout.The penalty contest swung back and forth as both sides missed chances.
Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar for Morocco, Justin Kluivert hit the post for the Netherlands, and Achraf Hakimi also rattled the woodwork before Quinten Timber’s effort went wide. With the score tied at 2-2, Talbi and Wout Weghorst both converted before Bounou saved Summerville’s attempt.
Ismael Saibari then scored the decisive penalty to send Morocco through.The result ends the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign despite long spells of control in the match, while Morocco advances to face Canada in the Round of 16 for a place in the quarter-finals.
