Morocco Advances to FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 After Thrilling Penalty Shootout

In a nail-biting encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Dutch, but Issa Diop's late equalizer sent the match to penalties. Yassine Bounou's crucial save and Ismael Saibari's winning kick propelled Morocco into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada. This victory marks a significant milestone in Morocco's World Cup journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 15:09 IST

Morocco's Dramatic Victory

Photo: @SGazetteSport/X

Monterrey, June 30: Morocco secured their spot in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a thrilling penalty shootout win against the Netherlands at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

After a gripping 120 minutes that concluded with a 1-1 scoreline, the Atlas Lions maintained their composure during the penalty shootout, triumphing 3-2 to continue their impressive World Cup campaign.

The Dutch team initially took the lead when Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute, thanks to a brilliant run and a precise touchback from Crysencio Summerville, allowing Gakpo to finish with ease.

With this goal, Gakpo has now tied for second place among the Netherlands' all-time World Cup scorers, netting six goals, just behind Johnny Rep, who scored seven between the 1974 and 1978 tournaments.

However, Morocco equalized dramatically in the 91st minute when central defender Issa Diop headed in a cross from substitute Chemsdine Talbi, sending the match into extra time.

The match, filled with momentum shifts, saw no winner emerge in regulation or extra time, leading to a penalty shootout for the second consecutive game.

During the shootout, both teams missed one of their first two penalties, converted their third, and then missed their fourth attempts. This led to a sudden death scenario where Yassine Bounou saved a shot from Summerville, and Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty, securing Morocco's advancement.

Yassine Bounou emerged as the shootout hero, making a crucial save after both teams had missed two penalties, while Saibari's successful kick ensured a Round of 16 matchup against co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 5.