Morocco booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey on Monday.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as Morocco’s hero, saving Crysencio Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Atlas Lions through.
Morocco will now face Canada in the last 16 in Houston on Saturday.
The match appeared to be slipping away from Morocco after the Netherlands took the lead midway through the second half through Cody Gakpo, who scored in an emotional outing just days after the death of the couple’s unborn child was confirmed.
The Liverpool forward was embraced by teammates after finding the net in a touching moment.
However, Morocco refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser in first-half stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home from Chemsdine Talbi’s cross to force extra time.
Morocco created the better opportunities throughout much of the contest, with Bart Verbruggen producing several outstanding saves to deny Achraf Hakimi, Neil El Aynaoui and Soufiane Rahimi.
The Netherlands enjoyed long spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Morocco’s disciplined defence.
Neither side could find a winner during extra time, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.
Although Morocco missed their opening penalty through El Aynaoui, Bounou’s crucial save and Saibari’s composed finish sealed a memorable victory and a place in the knockout stage.
The Atlas Lions will now look to continue their impressive World Cup campaign when they face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.
