Mexico, 30 June (H.S.): Morocco secured a dramatic place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Tuesday. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time and extra time, with Morocco holding their nerve in the shootout to advance.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save from the Netherlands' fourth penalty attempt. Ismael Saibari then converted the decisive spot kick to seal a memorable victory. Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16.

The Netherlands broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Cody Gakpo found the back of the net to make it 1-0. The goal carried deep personal significance for Gakpo, whose partner had recently shared the heartbreaking news of the loss of their unborn child. The Dutch forward was visibly emotional after scoring and was comforted by his teammates.

Morocco, however, refused to give up. In the first minute of second-half stoppage time, Issa Diop headed home from a Chemsdine Talbi cross to equalise and send the match into extra time.

Morocco looked the more dangerous side during the first half, with Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both forcing excellent saves from Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Dutch side also created several opportunities, but Bounou delivered an outstanding performance, making a series of important saves to keep Morocco in the contest.

Morocco came close to winning the match in extra time when Soufiane Rahimi unleashed a powerful effort, only for Verbruggen to produce a remarkable save.

With neither side able to find a winner, the contest was decided by a penalty shootout.

Although Morocco missed their opening penalty, Bounou's decisive save and Saibari's winning spot kick ensured a 3-2 shootout victory, sending the North African side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar