Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties. This followed a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 match played early Tuesday morning.
The match, which was highly competitive, was held at the BBVA Stadium. However, the Atlas Lions ultimately secured the victory from the penalty spot.
The Netherlands opened the scoring in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who capitalized on a low cross from Somerville. He then powerfully struck the ball into the net.
The Moroccan team refused to give up and managed to equalize during stoppage time. Issa Diop then headed a powerful cross into the net, forcing the match into extra time.
Soufiane Rahimi almost gave Morocco the lead in the 96th minute after finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the Dutch keeper made a brilliant save. The score remained unchanged until the end of extra time.
The two teams resorted to penalty kicks, which smiled on the Moroccan team, to secure their passage to the round of 16.
🎯⚽️ شاهد الركلة الترجيحية الحاسمة التي منحت المنتخب المغربي بطاقة العبور إلى دور الـ16 على حساب هولندا، بعد مواجهة مثيرة حُسمت بركلات الترجيح#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 pic.twitter.com/ipqGmU2CNz
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 30, 2026Morocco will face Canada in the round of 16. This comes after Canada qualified by defeating South Africa 1-0.
The match between Morocco and Canada is scheduled to take place on July 4th, at 8:00 PM Cairo and Mecca time.
