Morocco are through to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating the Netherlands on penalties, winning the shootout 3-2 following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
The match was an even contest throughout. Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, and the Dutch looked set to advance. But Issa Diop headed in a dramatic equaliser in the 91st minute to force extra time, and neither side could break the deadlock before penalties settled it.
Netherlands had entered the match having topped Group 6, while Morocco qualified as runners-up in Group 3.
Morocco become the fourth side to reach the last 16, joining Brazil, Canada, and Paraguay. Their next opponents are Canada, one of the tournament’s three host nations.
