Morocco have dumped the Netherlands out of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory in Monterrey, booking their place in the round of 16.
The Atlas Lions won 3-2 on penalties after both sides played out a tense 1-1 draw at the Estadio de Monterrey on Monday night.
Ismael Saibari struck the decisive kick for Morocco after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville.
It was another famous World Cup moment for Bounou, who once again proved decisive in a shootout, four years after his heroics helped Morocco make history at the 2022 tournament.
The Dutch had looked set to progress after Cody Gakpo fired them ahead in the 72nd minute with a fierce finish. The Liverpool forward celebrated emotionally, pointing to the sky as his teammates gathered around him.
But Morocco refused to go quietly.
With the Netherlands closing in on victory, the Atlas Lions threw bodies forward in search of a late equaliser. Their pressure finally paid off in stoppage time when Issa Diop rose highest to power home a header in the 91st minute and drag the contest into extra time.
Morocco dominated large spells of the additional 30 minutes and came close to completing the turnaround before penalties. Soufiane Rahimi was denied by a brilliant save from Bart Verbruggen after breaking through on goal.
The Dutch goalkeeper had earlier kept the Netherlands in the match with important stops, including a reflex save from Neil El Aynaoui’s header and another effort from Achraf Hakimi.
However, the penalty shootout turned into a brutal test of nerves.
Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst converted for the Netherlands, but misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Summerville proved costly.
Bounou’s save from Summerville gave Saibari the chance to win it, and the Moroccan midfielder made no mistake, sending the travelling Atlas Lions supporters into wild celebrations.
The result came shortly after another major European side, Germany, were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32.
Morocco will now face Canada in the round of 16, as their impressive World Cup run continues.
