Morocco booked their spot in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, making for a dramatic finish.

The Atlas Lions showed great resilience, coming from behind late in the game and staying calm during the penalty shootout to keep their strong tournament run going.

Morocco started well and almost scored in the 20th minute when Neil El Aynaoui headed the ball towards goal, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a great save to keep the game level.

A few minutes later, Achraf Hakimi forced Verbruggen into another strong save with a powerful shot from outside the box.

The Netherlands had few chances in the first half. Micky van de Ven tried a long shot, but Morocco goalkeeper Bono handled it easily, and the teams went into halftime with no goals.

The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo received a pass in the box and fired a low shot past Bono to put the Netherlands ahead.

With the Dutch close to winning, Morocco scored a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Chemsdine Talbi sent in a cross, and Issa Diop headed it in from close range to force extra time.

Morocco nearly won in extra time, but Verbruggen stopped Soufiane Rahimi with another excellent save, sending the match to penalties.

The penalty shootout was tense. Teun Koopmeiners scored the first for the Netherlands, but El Aynaoui hit the crossbar for Morocco. Then Justin Kluivert hit the post for the Dutch, giving Morocco another chance.

Rahimi and Talbi both scored their penalties for Morocco. Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands, but Quinten Timber missed his shot.

Hakimi hit the post with his penalty, giving the Dutch hope. But Bono made a crucial save against Crysencio Summerville.

Ismael Saibari then had the chance to win it, and he calmly scored the final penalty to send Morocco through.

Morocco will now play co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 as their impressive World Cup run goes on.