Morocco became the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
The Atlas Lions will face Canada in Houston on Saturday, June 4, after winning the shootout, with the Netherlands missing three penalties.
Morocco dominated much of the match, creating the better chances but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Achraf Hakimi also struck the crossbar.
Despite Morocco’s dominance, the Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo finished a swift counterattack.
Morocco rescued the match deep into stoppage time as Issa Diop headed home from a Chemsdine Talbi cross to force extra time.
Morocco continued to press in the additional 30 minutes, but Verbruggen produced another fine save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi, sending the match to penalties.
Teun Koopmeiners scored the Netherlands’ first spot kick, but misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville handed Morocco the advantage. Although Hakimi failed to convert Morocco’s fourth penalty, Ismail Saibari scored the decisive kick to seal a 3-2 victory.
The win sends Morocco into the Round of 16 as the first African team to reach that stage at the expanded 48-team tournament.
