Morocco advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout in Monterrey, Mexico. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time before being decided on penalties.
The Netherlands opened the scoring in the 72nd minute when forward Cody Gakpo finished a counter-attack to give his side a 1-0 advantage. Following the goal, his teammates celebrated with him on the field.
Morocco equalised in the opening moments of stoppage time through defender Issa Diop, who headed home a cross from Chemsdine Talbi to make it 1-1. The goal forced the match into extra time.
Morocco continued to attack during extra time, with substitute Soufiane Rahimi creating a scoring opportunity that was denied by Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. At the other end, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several important saves. Neither team scored during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.
The Netherlands made the ber start in the shootout, but Morocco recovered as several Dutch attempts either struck the post or were saved by Yassine Bounou. Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to secure a 3-2 shootout victory and send Morocco into the Round of 16.
Although the score remained level for long periods, Morocco controlled much of the play by maintaining possession and creating multiple attacking opportunities. Captain Achraf Hakimi played his 100th international match and contributed in both attack and defence. Bart Verbruggen made several saves to keep the Netherlands in the contest.
Morocco's squad combined experienced players with younger talent, including Ismael Saibari, Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi and 18-year-old midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, who recently committed his international future to Morocco after being born in France.
Head coach Mohammed Ouahbi, who has been in charge for less than four months, continued with a tactical approach based on ball possession, quick passing, disciplined defending and rapid attacking transitions. Ouahbi previously guided Morocco's Under-20 team to a world title.
Morocco became the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. After reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the team has now progressed to the knockout stage again.
Morocco will face co-host Canada in the Round of 16. If Morocco advances, it could meet France in the quarter-finals, provided France wins its next match.
