Morocco Beats Netherlands, Advances to Round-16

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have advanced into the Round of 16 in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties to advance beyond the Round of 32.

The Dutch team is one of the pre-tournament’s favourites and certainly the favourite to carry the day against the African side, but they found themselves checkmated for 120 minutes.

The first 45 minutes ended goalless, though both sides showed physical strength and determination to carry the day.

The Moroccans had a fantastic chance in the second half through Achraf Hakimi, who, however, shot the ball across the bar. Despite the Moroccan’s ball possession advantage, it was Holland who first found the back of the net after a goal-kick got to Wout Weghorst, whose header found Crysencio Summerville, who in turn passed the ball to Cody Gakpo for a goal which looked like a winner for the Orange Gangs.

The Moroccans had to endure the one-goal deficit until the 90th minute when Issa Diop’s header got the Atlas Lions a much-needed goal and equaliser.

Another opportunity presented for the North Africans to take the lead in the 97th, but the Dutch goalkeeper Barth Verbruggen denied Soufiane Rahimi. The extra time made no difference, as both sides were unable to outdo the other, thereby forcing the game into penalty kicks. With the victory against Holland, Morocco will face one of the tournament hosts, Canada, who edged out South Africa 1-0 to reach the round of 16.

Source: MRA