Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Estadio BBVA.
The Round of 32 encounter remained goalless throughout the first half, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a breakthrough before the interval.
The Dutch eventually broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo rose to head home, putting the Oranje within touching distance of qualification.
However, Morocco refused to give up and found a dramatic late equaliser through Issa Diop, whose goal forced the contest into extra time.
Neither side could produce a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the tie to a penalty shootout where the Atlas Lions kept their composure to claim a 3-2 victory.
The triumph makes Morocco the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing another memorable run on the global stage.
The Atlas Lions will now face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4, at NRG Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
