The Netherlands, previously unbeaten, exits the tournament, while Morocco now prepares to face co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 4.
Guadalupe: Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a pulsating 3-2 victory on penalties against the Netherlands. Following a 1-1 deadlock after 120 minutes of play at the Monterrey Stadium, the Atlas Lions secured their place in the next round, where they are scheduled to face co-hosts Canada.
The match remained tightly contested for much of the evening. Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, putting the Netherlands ahead and appearing to set the Dutch on course for the next stage. However, a dramatic stoppage-time header from Moroccan defender Issa Diop in the 91st minute cancelled out the opener and forced the contest into extra time.
Despite intense pressure from both sides during the additional 30 minutes, neither team could find a decisive breakthrough. The stalemate necessitated a penalty shootout, which proved to be a chaotic affair. While Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst successfully converted their spot-kicks for the Netherlands, misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville proved costly.
For Morocco, despite early misses, Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi, and Ismael Saibari successfully converted their penalties. Saibari’s decisive spot-kick rewarded the travelling Moroccan supporters in Monterrey and sealed a famous victory for the Atlas Lions.
The result marks a surprise exit for the Netherlands, who had finished at the top of Group F with an unbeaten record. Conversely, Morocco, having finished second in Group C behind Brazil, continues their historic run in the tournament. They will now travel to Houston for their Round of 16 clash against Canada on July 4.
Updates
Morocco takes the win
Morocco defeats the Netherlands in the penalty shootout
Netherlands to shoot first
Its a goal!
Teun KOOPMEINERS (Netherlands) successfully converts the penalty!
Penalties to decide
For the second straight fixture then, penalty kicks will be needed to split this pair of top ten-ranked combatants.
Game still 1-1
Post extra time half time, both teams are still at stalemate.
Game moved to extra time
For the third time in just four knockout stage matches then, we are headed to extra time.
Full time
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
The referee brings the second period to an end.
+6 mins
6 mins added to the final whistle
Goal! 90'+1'
Issa DIOP (Morocco) scores!!
Netherlands Trivia
The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 26 World Cup matches when they scored first; Morocco will hope to be the team to end that run but have just a quarter of an hour to strike back.
Goal! 72'
Cody GAKPO (Netherlands) scores!!
Attempt at Goal
Achraf Hakimi bursts forward and sees his shot crash off the bar. The Atlas Lions impressing early in the second half.
Game Resumes
Second half now underway
Half time
Netherlands 0-0 Morocco
The referee brings the first period to an end.
+6 mins
6 mins added to the half time.
Possession
Post the first hydration break, Netherlands carry a possession of 44%, while Morocco plays on with 56%
How did Morocco reach the round of 32?
Morocco opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, followed by a 1-0 win over Scotland. They sealed qualification for the Round of 32 with a 4-2 victory over Haiti, finishing second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference.
How did Netherlands reach the round of 32?
The Netherlands began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan, before producing a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second match. They sealed their group stage with a confident 3-1 win over Tunisia, finishing top of Group F to secure their place in the Round of 32.
Koeman admits “too soon” for heavyweight clash
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has described the fixture as one that has arrived “too soon” in the tournament, saying both teams are capable of going much further in the competition. He called it a high-stakes encounter between two top-quality sides and insisted it will still be a “very attractive match” for neutrals.
Starting Lineup
Netherlands (3-4-3): Verbuggen; Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Aké; Van de Ven, De Jong, Gravenberch, Dumfries; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazroui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Brahim, Ounahi, El Khannous; Saibari
Predictions
Opta’s supercomputer gives the Netherlands a 45% chance of winning in regulation time against Morocco, while Morocco are rated at 26% to secure victory within 90 minutes. There is also a 29% probability that the match goes to extra time or penalties, highlighting how closely contested the fixture is expected to be.
Published: 30 Jun 2026, 05:40 am IST
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