Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach Last 16

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·30 giugno 2026

Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach Last 16

Morocco booked their place in the World Cup last 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time in Monterrey.

The Atlas Lions were the better side for much of the contest but needed a stoppage-time equaliser to keep their campaign alive after Cody Gakpo looked to have won it for the Dutch with an emotional second-half strike.

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Having announced the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son just days earlier, Gakpo kept his place in Ronald Koeman's starting line-up and broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. A rapid counter-attack caught Morocco exposed before the Liverpool forward clinically finished to put the Netherlands in front.

Morocco had created the clearer opportunities throughout, with Achraf Hakimi striking the crossbar and Bart Verbruggen producing several impressive saves to frustrate the African side.

Just when the Netherlands appeared to be closing in on victory, Issa Diop rose highest to power home Chemsdine Talbi's cross in stoppage time and send the tie into extra time.

Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes despite Verbruggen making another outstanding save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi.

The penalty shootout proved decisive, with the Netherlands missing three spot-kicks. Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty to send Morocco into the next round, where they will face co-hosts Canada.