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Morocco have knocked the Netherlands out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion, winning a penalty shootout 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico . The Atlas Lions’ victory sends them through to face Canada in the next round, while the Dutch suffer their earliest World Cup exit in history .
Match Summary
- Final Score: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco win 3-2 on penalties)
- Netherlands Goal: Cody Gakpo (72′)
- Morocco Goal: Issa Diop (90+1′)
- Decisive Penalty: Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot-kick
Gakpo’s Emotional Opener
The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through an emotional Cody Gakpo, who finished a slick move created by Crysencio Summerville . After the goal, the Dutch bench ran onto the pitch to embrace the 27-year-old, who broke down in tears following the recent loss of his unborn child with his partner, Noa van der Bij .
Diop’s Stoppage-Time Heroics
Just as the Dutch fans began celebrating a place in the last 16, Morocco delivered a stunning blow. Deep into added time, Chemsdine Talbi sent a lofted delivery into the box, and defender Issa Diop rose highest to power a header past Bart Verbruggen, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the match to extra time .
Penalty Shootout Drama
The shootout proved heartbreaking for the Dutch. Justin Kluivert, Jurriën Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all missed their penalties . Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Summerville in the fourth round, setting the stage for Ismael Saibari to calmly convert the decisive spot-kick and secure a 3-2 shootout victory for the Atlas Lions .
Route to the Last 16
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston . The Netherlands, ranked 7th in the world, exit the tournament at the earliest stage in their history, having previously reached at least the Round of 16 in eight other appearances .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who won the Netherlands vs. Morocco match?
Morocco won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari scored the decisive spot-kick .
Q2: Who scored for the Netherlands?
Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute .
Q3: Who scored the equalizer for Morocco?
Issa Diop scored the dramatic stoppage-time equalizer in the 91st minute .
Q4: Who will Morocco play next?
Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Houston .
Q5: How did Cody Gakpo react after his goal?
Gakpo was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears, supported by his teammates, following the recent loss of his unborn child .
Q6: Did the Netherlands dominate the match?
Morocco dominated possession with 60% and dictated much of the play . The Netherlands struggled with their tactical setup, and neither team could maintain their formation consistently .