Morocco produced one of the most memorable comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning the brink of elimination to defeat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw following extra time, securing a place in the Round of 16 where they will face co-hosts Canada.
The Atlas Lions dominated long spells of the contest in Monterrey but found themselves behind in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for the Dutch. The Liverpool forward’s emotional celebration quickly became one of the tournament’s defining images as his teammates surrounded him after he dedicated the goal following the recent loss of his unborn child.
Just as Ronald Koeman’s side appeared destined for the last 16, Morocco struck in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time, Issa Diop rose above the Dutch defence to power home Chemsdine Talbi’s cross, becoming only the second Moroccan player to score in World Cup stoppage time and forcing the tie into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes despite several outstanding saves from Bart Verbruggen and Yassine Bounou. Verbruggen denied Soufiane Rahimi with a spectacular reflex stop, while Bounou continued the outstanding World Cup penalty pedigree he established in Qatar 2022.
The shootout proved every bit as dramatic as the match itself. Both teams squandered opportunities before Bounou produced the decisive save to deny Crysencio Summerville. Ismael Saibari then calmly converted the winning penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among Moroccan supporters and sealing a famous victory.
The victory extends Morocco’s remarkable rise on the world stage. Having become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, the Atlas Lions have now qualified for the knockout rounds in three World Cups (1986, 2022 and 2026) and continue to establish themselves among international football’s elite.
Leave feedback about this