Morocco beat Netherlands in penalty shootout to reach round of 16

Kathmandu. Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Monterrey to reach the round of 16.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time and the result ended in a penalty shootout.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bonu saved Cressencio Somerville’s fourth penalty. Striker Ismail Saibari then scored the decisive penalty to give the team a 3-2 win.

Morocco has set up a last-16 clash with Canada in Houston on Saturday.

Cody Gakpo scored the first goal for the Netherlands midway through the second half. Gakpo, who was emotional after his partner confirmed the death of his unborn child a few days ago, gave his teammates a long hug after scoring.

The Netherlands looked close to winning but Issa Diop scored the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time to keep Morocco alive. He headed in a cross from substitute Shames Talby into the net.

Morocco created more chances throughout the game. In the 20th minute, Nil Al-Ainoui headed in a corner from Ashraf Hakimi, while the Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Ferbrugen made a superb save. Moments later, he again pushed Hakimi’s powerful shot over the bar.

The game was very competitive. In the first half, Cybari hit Jean-Paul van Hecke in the face with an elbow but was denied a card.

The Netherlands were in control of the ball but struggled to create clear chances. In the 44th minute, Mickey van de Ven’s powerful shot was saved by Bonu.

In the second half, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman brought on Wout Weghorst in a number of changes. Weghorst controlled a long pass to create a chance for Summerville, whose cross was headed in by Gakpo.

Virgil van Dijk’s defence looked strong but Diop’s last-minute header sent the game into extra time.

Sofian Rahimi gave Morocco the lead in the 96th minute of extra time, but Ferbruggen made an incredible save.

In the shootout, Morocco’s first shot was missed by Al-Ainoui but the team bounced back to win the match.