The Moroccan team secured its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. It did so after beating the Netherlands 3-2 in the penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw in regular time and overtime at the Monterrey stadium.
A match defined in the details
There were no goals during the first half. The physical intensity set the pace of the match. In the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Dutch. It seemed like victory for the Netherlands.
But in injury time, Issa Diop equalized in the 91st minute. It forced extra time. In the additional 30 minutes no one broke the tie. The key was defined from the eleven steps.
Morocco showed greater precision in the series. They won 3-2 and celebrated the classification.
What’s coming for Morocco
With this result, the African team advances to the next round. Their rival will be the Canadian team. The victory highlights the growth of Moroccan football and its ability to compete at the highest level.




