Morocco have secured qualifications to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after beating the Netherlands via penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1.
Ismael Saibari netted the decisive penalty to send last year’s semifinalists through to the next round and send Ronald Koeman and the Dutch home at the earliest stage of the World Cup in the country’s history.
With the shootout tied at 2-all after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a strong save of Crysencio Summerville’s attempt, batting it away with his left hand. Saibari then sent the winner into the low left corner as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen went the other direction.
Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen makes a save during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Morocco (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
It was looking like Netherlands will walk away victorious when Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute for the Dutch.
After the goal, which was assisted by Crysencio Summerville, the Dutch bench ran onto the field to embrace the 27-year-old Gakpo, who broke down in tears.
Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently announced that they lost their unborn child.
However, things took a new twist in the 91st minute when Morocco’s Issa Diop tied the scoreline by heading in a long cross from Chemsdine Talbi.
Neither team had a strong scoring opportunity in 30 minutes of extra time at Estadio BBVA.
Morocco were clinical in the spot kick and had their keeper to thank for putting in another wonderful display.
