Morocco are through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the tournament so far.

How the match unfolded

The game in Monterrey was tightly contested for most of the 90 minutes. Neither side could find a breakthrough in a cagey first half, with both defences holding firm.

Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with an emotional goal. The Liverpool forward, playing just days after the tragic loss of his unborn son, fell to his knees in tears after scoring. His teammates rushed to embrace him in one of the most poignant moments of the entire tournament.

Morocco refused to give up. Issa Diop struck in stoppage time to level the match at 1-1 and force extra time.

Extra time and penalties

Neither side could find a winner during the 30 minutes of extra time, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

The shootout was a disaster for the Netherlands. They missed three of their five penalties, with Morocco converting enough to win 3-2 and book their place in the next round.

Morocco’s composure from the spot contrasted sharply with the Dutch collapse. It was the latest in a long line of penalty heartbreaks for the Netherlands at major tournaments.

Gakpo’s courage

The story of the match was Cody Gakpo’s bravery. His partner, Noa van der Bij, had announced on Saturday that their baby boy had passed away during pregnancy. Despite the devastating news, Gakpo chose to remain with the squad and started the match.

He scored three goals in total during the group stage and this knockout match, showing remarkable mental strength under unimaginable personal circumstances.

Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands captain, was seen consoling Gakpo throughout the match, reflecting the tight bond within the Dutch camp.

What went wrong for the Netherlands

The Dutch side struggled to maintain their lead after Gakpo’s goal. Morocco grew into the match as it progressed, and the Netherlands sat deeper and deeper in the closing stages.

The penalty shootout exposed a familiar weakness. The Netherlands have a troubled history with spot kicks at World Cups, and this match added another painful chapter.

What this means for Morocco

Morocco continue to build on their remarkable run from the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. This victory shows they remain a serious force in world football.

The Atlas Lions will now face a tough test in the last 16 as they look to go deep into the tournament once again.

What to watch

  • Morocco’s next opponent in the last 16 and their chances of another deep run
  • How the Netherlands rebuild after another tournament exit on penalties
  • Whether Gakpo’s performances at this World Cup earn him individual recognition