Morocco eliminates Netherlands from 2026 World Cup in penalty shootout

Morocco advanced to the final 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 29, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Monterrey, Mexico. The result eliminates the Dutch squad from the tournament in the Round of 32.

The Netherlands held the lead for much of the regulation period after an opening goal from forward Cody Gakpo. The match appeared settled until Issa Diop scored an equalizer for Morocco deep into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time and the subsequent shootout.

During the decisive penalty phase, Morocco secured a 3-2 advantage to close the match. The victory marks another substantial progression for the Moroccan national team in international competition, following their deep run in the previous World Cup cycle.

The elimination of a traditional European football power by Morocco underscores a continuing realignment in the sport's global power dynamics. The result in Monterrey provides further evidence of the growing tactical and competitive prowess of African teams against established UEFA nations on the world stage.

Morocco now proceeds to the tournament's next knockout phase as the broader competition continues across North America.