Morocco became the first African nation to book a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
The encounter finished 1-1 after 120 minutes before the Atlas Lions held their nerve from the spot to secure a historic victory.
The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo. Crysencio Summerville burst into the penalty area before being brought down by Noussair Mazraoui, with Gakpo reacting quickest to fire home the loose ball.
Morocco responded strongly and restored parity through Issa Diop, whose well-taken header forced the contest into extra time and eventually penalties.
In the shoot-out, the Dutch faltered as Quentin Timber, Crysencio Summerville and Justin Kluivert all failed to convert their spot-kicks, allowing Morocco to progress.
The victory makes Morocco the first African team to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. They will now face co-hosts Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.
