By Amaechi Agbo

Morocco eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time at the Monterrey Stadium, securing a historic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The Atlas Lions came from behind deep in stoppage time to force the additional periods before outlasting the Dutch team in a tense shootout.

With this victory, Morocco becomes the first African nation to reach the knockout phase of the 2026 tournament.

Following a scoreless first half, Crysencio Summerville set up Cody Gakpo, who fired a powerful strike past Yassine Bounou to put the Netherlands ahead 1-0. An emotional Gakpo was swamped by teammates following his third goal of the tournament.

With the Dutch defense holding strong into final minutes, Morocco launched a desperate late assault. Defender Issa Diop connected with a brilliant header to level the match at 1-1, shocking the Oranje fans.

Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen pulled off a spectacular save early in extra time to deny Morocco, sending the deadlocked match to a shootout.

The penalty phase lacked precision, seeing multiple high-profile misses from both squads. Tied at 2-2 after missed attempts by Achraf Hakimi and Summerville, Morocco’s Ismael Saibari stepped up under immense pressure.

Saibari calmly converted the winning spot-kick to seal a 3-2 victory.

Morocco advances to the Round of 16 where they will play Canada on Saturday, July 4, in Houston. Canada previously advanced by defeating South Africa 1-0 in the first knockout game on Sunday.
In the second Round.

On Monday evening, Brazil waited till deep in stoppage time to beat Japan 2-1 to reach the last 16 while Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on shootout to secure the Last 16 spot.

The 2026 World Cup Round 32 matches continue today’s with Ivory Coast taking on Norway by 6pm while France and Sweden will clash by 10pm.