Morocco have advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a breathtaking penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. After a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Monterrey Stadium that required extra time, the Atlas Lions triumphed 3-2 on penalties to set up a knockout clash with Canada.

The match seemed destined for a Dutch victory after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock midway through the second half. Playing just days after announcing the tragic loss of his unborn son, the Liverpool forward was visibly overcome with emotion as he was embraced by his teammates following the goal. However, Morocco refused to surrender. In the first minute of stoppage time, substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a looping cross for an unmarked Issa Diop, who headed home a dramatic late equalizer to force extra time.

The tense 30 minutes of extra time saw both sides trade blows, with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Dutch shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen making crucial saves to keep their respective teams in the tournament. In the deciding shootout, Bounou cemented his hero status by diving sharply to his left to deny Crysencio Summerville’s attempt. Ismael Saibari then stepped up and calmly blasted the winning spot-kick into the bottom-left corner, sparking wild celebrations.

Key moments from the dramatic encounter

1) Cody Gakpo opens the scoring for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute with an emotional goal

2) Issa Diop rescues Morocco with a 91st-minute header to force extra time

3) Yassine Bounou makes a crucial save to block Crysencio Summerville in the shootout

4) Ismael Saibari converts the decisive penalty to seal a 3-2 shootout victory for the Atlas Lions

5) Morocco advance to face Canada in the last 16 in Houston

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