After a 1-1 draw in Monterrey and a tight game, Morocco secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a brilliant 3-2 penalty shootout with Netherlands.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became Morocco’s hero for keeping Crysencio Summerville sane in the penalty area of the Netherlands who was denied his fourth penalty before Ismael Saibari netted his spot-kick with composure to progress into the last 16. On Saturday, Morocco will play Canada in Houston for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Jerusalem went into overtime to see the first minute – it was a late Morocco second. Cody Gakpo met the challenge in the second half with a shot which was deflected by defender Issa Diop as he raced upfield.
By the halfway mark of the second half, the Dutch had chimed off for a victory but Gakpo had the equalizing strike of the match in his hands. The Liverpool striker has been one of the proudest forwards a few days after his partner announced the damning news of the loss of the couple’s unborn baby and his teammates came out on top after the goal.
In one hot High Pressure game, Morocco had a number of good chances but they trailed in the end. In the first half, Neil El Aynaoui was a whisker away from hitting the back of the net until Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made an heroic save with a reflex FR.
No side could make a winning difference in extra time as the game was won from the penalty area, when Morocco steadfastly refused to buckle and hold their nerve to win one of the tournament’s biggest victories. Atlas Lions have entered the knockout stage with confidence after defeating Norway in the group stage.