In a thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Morocco eliminated the Netherlands by winning 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following regulation and extra time.
The game remained fiercely contested from start to finish. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute with a well-taken goal, but Morocco refused to surrender. In the first minute of stoppage time, defender Issa Diop powered home a header from a set piece to level the score and force extra time.
Neither team could find a winner in the additional period, setting the stage for a penalty shootout that proved wildly unpredictable, filled with misses, saves, and shots rattling the woodwork. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered a decisive save on Crysencio Summerville’s attempt, before Ismael Saibari stepped forward and blasted home the winning penalty to secure the victory.
This triumph sends Morocco through to the Round of 16, where they will face Canada, while marking the Netherlands’ earliest exit in World Cup history. The result further cements Morocco’s reputation as formidable knockout specialists on the global stage.
