Netherlands (2) 1-1 (3) Morocco: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash
Morocco cause big upset at the World Cup.
Morocco advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling penalty shootout win over the Netherlands in Monterrey.
The Atlas Lions prevailed 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time. Yassine Bounou once again proved crucial on the grandest stage.
Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to concede defeat, forcing extra time with Issa Diop’s stoppage-time header.
After a gruelling extra 30 minutes with no more goals, Morocco advanced through a penalty shootout win. All thanks to goals from Soufiane Rahimi, Chemseddine Talbi, and Ismail Saibari.
Key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 match
5. Cody Gakpo joins list of elite Netherlands players
When the Netherlands looked for an answer against a stubborn Morocco, none of their players could break through. However, it was Liverpool star Cody Gakpo who broke the Moroccan defence. He gave the Dutch an important breakthrough in the game with his strike in the 72nd minute.
Following his goal, he recorded his sixth World Cup goal, scoring as many World Cup goals for the Netherlands as Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, Rob Rensenbrink, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie (6).
4. Second penalty shootout win for Morocco
The Atlas Lions stood firm against the pressure in the penalty shootout, putting the ball past the custodian against the Netherlands and advancing to the round of 16. However, this is not the first time the Atlas Lions have defeated a side on penalties in the World Cup. A similar event happened in the 2022 World Cup, when they defeated another European powerhouse, Spain, on penalties.
3. Consecutive elimination from World Cup on penalties for Netherlands
This is the second time the Netherlands have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup in penalties after they lost 3-2 on penalties against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup‘s round of 32.
In the 2022 World Cup, they suffered the same fate after facing Argentina in the quarterfinal of the tournament. There, they lost the match on the spot-kicks. Now the same story has been repeated in this World Cup.
2. Morocco through to round of 16
Morocco achieved a historic win after their win over the Netherlands on penalties. The Atlas Giants made another remarkable statement following their win over the Dutch.
With Netherlands entering the game as favourites, Morocco were able to pull off one of the biggest shocks of the competition. They prevailed on the spot-kicks 3-2.
1. Netherlands eliminated from round of 32
The Netherlands were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to Morocco in a thrilling penalty shootout in the Round of 32.
After a hard-fought 1-1 tie at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, the Dutch squad was eliminated from the competition. It was another painful elimination. Morocco missed their first penalty, but Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all missed from the spot, ending the Dutch’s World Cup campaign.
How many penalties did Morocco score?
They scored three penalties.
How many penalties did the Netherlands score?
They scored only two penalties.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.