Morocco continued their remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by defeating the Netherlands on penalties in Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash, setting new milestones for African nations in the competition.
The Atlas Lions secured a 3-2 shootout triumph after both teams finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.
The Netherlands looked set for victory after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, but Morocco fought back through Issa Diop, whose late strike forced the contest into extra time.
With the match still level after 120 minutes, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Both teams failed to convert two penalties before Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville from the Netherlands’ fifth attempt. Ismael Saibari then calmly slotted home the winning kick to send the North Africans into the next round.
Data released by football analytics platform Opta showed that the victory marked Morocco’s third success in a FIFA World Cup knockout fixture. That achievement equals the total number of knockout wins previously recorded by every other African nation combined in the tournament’s history.
Morocco had already claimed two knockout victories during their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, and their latest success further strengthens their place among Africa’s most accomplished teams on football’s biggest stage.
Prior to Morocco’s rise, only Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had managed to win knockout matches at the FIFA World Cup.
Opta also revealed that Morocco controlled 70 per cent of possession during open play against the Netherlands, the highest figure ever registered by an African side in a World Cup knockout match since such records began in 1966.
Ranked as Africa’s highest-placed nation and seventh globally before the tournament, Morocco have continued their impressive progress under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge only a few months ago.
The team has maintained the momentum created under former coach Walid Regragui, who guided the Atlas Lions to a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco will now take on tournament co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday as they pursue another historic achievement.
