Players battle for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco. [Reuters]
Players battle for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-32 match between the Netherlands and Morocco. [Reuters]

Morocco advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after defeating the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Morocco edged the Netherlands 1-1 (PSO 3-2) in a penalty shootout in their round-of-32 match at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Netherlands had navigated the tournament's so-called Group of Death — Group F — finishing first with two wins and a draw. They displayed dominant attacking play, scoring five goals against Sweden and three against Tunisia. Morocco, who finished fourth at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, came through Group C in second place behind Brazil but also posted two wins and a draw.

Both sides carried their strong group-stage form into the knockout round, producing a tightly contested first half. The Netherlands held more possession, but Morocco created the more dangerous chances.

Around the 19th minute, Morocco nearly broke through with a sharp header from a corner kick, only for Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to make a crucial save. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi followed up with a threatening shot moments later, but Verbruggen denied him as well.

The Netherlands tried to build attacks down the flanks without success. Around the 43rd minute, Micky van de Ven's long-range effort headed toward goal, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou turned it away.

The second half unfolded much like the first. Around the 6th minute of the half, Hakimi broke down the right flank and fired a shot that struck the post.

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo finally broke the deadlock. Around the 71st minute, he converted a pass from Crysencio Summerville, who had been battling a defender near Morocco's penalty area. Morocco appeared headed for elimination, but Issa Diop equalized in the 90th minute to send the match back to square one.

Morocco controlled extra time while the Netherlands focused on defending. In the first period of extra time, Soufiane Rahimi had a one-on-one chance but Verbruggen produced a stunning save to keep the Netherlands in it. Neither side could find a winner, and the match went to penalties.

The shootout was equally nerve-wracking. Morocco's first kicker missed, giving the Netherlands an early advantage, but Netherlands second kicker Justin Kluivert struck the post. Both teams' fourth kickers also missed, leaving the outcome wide open.

The fifth kick decided it. Summerville missed for the Netherlands, while Morocco's Ismail Saibari converted to seal a hard-fought victory. Morocco will face co-host Canada in the round of 16.


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com