Morocco pulled off a sensational upset by knocking the Netherlands out of the 2026 World Cup
The Moroccan national team secured a dramatic victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and advanced to the next round of the tournament. The match ended in a 1–1 tie after regulation and extra time, but Morocco prevailed 3–2 in the penalty shootout.
The match took place at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
After a scoreless first half, the Dutch opened the scoring. In the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo put his team ahead after a pass from Crisencio Summerville.
However, in stoppage time, Issa Diop headed in a cross from the wing to save Morocco from defeat and send the game into extra time.
In extra time, the Moroccans came close to scoring the winning goal, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made several crucial saves.
A penalty shootout decided who would advance to the Round of 16. Both teams missed some penalties, but Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick, securing a 3–2 victory for Morocco in the penalty shootout.
2026 World Cup. Round of 32
Netherlands — Morocco — 1–1 (0–0), penalty shootout — 2–3
Goals: Gakpo, 72 — Diop, 90+1.
Thus, Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where it will face Canada.
Earlier, the German national team was unexpectedly eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16. The victory allowed Paraguay to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
A total of 4,644,549 spectators attended the group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup. According to FIFA, 72 matches were played during this stage of the tournament.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the main topic of discussion on social media after the 2026 World Cup group stage match against the DR Congo. For both teams, this match marked their tournament debut, and the Portuguese secured a hard-fought result.
