Football

Morocco Beat Netherlands on Penalties to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Morocco secured a dramatic place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Monterrey Stadium.

Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute with his sixth World Cup goal before Morocco struck back in stoppage time through Issa Diop, who headed home Chemsdine Talbi’s cross. Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as Morocco’s hero by saving Crysencio Summerville’s spot-kick before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty. Morocco will now face World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

Sahir Usman

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