The North African side Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the round of 16 in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match went down to the wire, with both sides failing to score the decisive goal despite it going into extra time.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fourth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win on Monday.
The victory has sent Morocco into a last-16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.
The match had gone to extra time after Issa Diop had glanced in a dramatic equaliser for the North African side in the very first minute of extra time as the Netherlands were sensing victory.
Considered one of the best defending sides in international football, the Netherlands certainly let their guard down to allow Morocco to steal one in stoppage time.
The Dutch side scored the first goal in the middle of the second half, with a goal from Cody Gakpo, playing just days after his partner had confirmed the death of the couple’s unborn son.
However, Morocco created decent chances throughout the game, but better defending from the Netherlands did not allow them to even get past the defenders during the match.
Besides the Netherlands, tournament favourites Germany also crashed out of the World Cup, facing a 3-2 defeat in penalties against Paraguay.
Also read: Germany crashes out of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Follow us
