Monterrey, Jun 30 (V7N) — Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after regular and extra time.
The Round of 32 clash kicked off at 7:00 am Bangladesh time on Tuesday (June 30) at Monterrey Stadium in Canada. Despite both sides creating several chances, the first half ended goalless.
The deadlock remained intact until the 72nd minute. Wout Weghorst headed down a long goal kick from Bart Verbruggen, and after Crysencio Summerville failed to control the ball, it fell to Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward calmly finished past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to hand the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.
Just as the Dutch appeared set for victory, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time. In the first minute of added time, Talbi delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Issa Diop powered a header into the net to level the score at 1-1, forcing the match into extra time.
Neither side managed to find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.
Morocco held their nerve from the spot and secured a 3-2 victory in the shootout. The decisive moment came when Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville stepped up to take the final penalty, only for Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to produce a crucial save and send the African side into the last 16.
Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday (July 4). The match is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 pm Bangladesh time.
END/SMA/AJ
