Netherlands vs Morocco 2026

Excitement in Monterrey: Morocco Upsets the Netherlands and Knocks Them Out of the 2026 World Cup

Morocco kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, winning 3 - 2 from the spot after a 1 1 draw following extra time in their round of 32 tie in Monterrey.

Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute, finishing with the composure that has defined his tournament so far and sending the orange clad supporters inside Estadio BBVA into raptures. The Netherlands looked set to cruise into the round of 16, controlling long stretches of the contest and limiting Morocco to fleeting moments in possession. Their advantage held until the very last action of normal time.

I. Diop produced the moment that will define this tie, rising in the first minute of stoppage time to level the score and send the match into extra time. Neither side could find a winner across the additional thirty minutes, a familiar storyline for a Moroccan side built on resilience and a refusal to be broken by the clock. The tie was decided on penalties, where Morocco held their nerve to edge through 3 2 and end the Dutch campaign at the round of 32 stage.

The result extends Morocco's reputation as one of the most dangerous knockout opponents in recent World Cup history, a nation that thrives precisely when matches are tightest. For the Netherlands, elimination on penalties closes a tournament that promised more, while Morocco march on into the round of 16 carrying the same late drama that has followed them since their historic run in 2022.