---
title: "Morocco knock out the Netherlands on penalties to reach the last 16"
description: "Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup run, beating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to reach the round of 16 — the second traditional power sent home on spot-kicks in this round, and another night of heartbreak for a European heavyweight."
category: "Sports"
category_url: https://newsparlor.com/category/sports
author: "Maya Coleman"
published: 2026-06-30T05:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-06-30T05:00:00.000Z
canonical: https://newsparlor.com/article/morocco-beat-netherlands-penalties-world-cup
tags: ["world-cup-2026", "morocco", "netherlands", "penalties"]
---
# Morocco knock out the Netherlands on penalties to reach the last 16

Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup run, beating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to reach the round of 16 — the second traditional power sent home on spot-kicks in this round, and another night of heartbreak for a European heavyweight.

Morocco are through to the round of 16 of the World Cup, beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout in Monterrey after the teams could not be separated over 120 minutes, [France 24 reported](https://www.france24.com/en/sport/20260630-world-cup-2026-morocco-beat-netherlands-on-penalties-to-reach-round-of-16) — another giant felled in a round that has belonged to the underdogs.

## Late drama, then the lottery

The Netherlands looked to be heading through after Cody Gakpo finished off a move in the second half to put Ronald Koeman's side in front. But Morocco refused to fold, and Issa Diop rose to head home a dramatic equalizer in the 91st minute, dragging the tie to extra time and, when that settled nothing, to penalties, [ESPN reported](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49222205/morocco-win-shootout-send-netherlands-home-world-cup).

## Bounou the hero again

In the shootout, Morocco turned to a familiar source of inspiration. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou — a penalty specialist whose heroics underpinned the team's run three years ago — saved Crysencio Summerville's effort, and Ismael Saibari held his nerve to convert the decisive kick and spark Moroccan celebrations. For the Dutch, beaten finalists and semi-finalists of past tournaments, it was a chastening exit at the round-of-32 stage.

## A run that keeps going

For Morocco, the victory is the latest chapter in a story that has reshaped expectations of what an African side can do at a World Cup. In 2022 they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, and their blend of organization, defensive steel and game-changing individuals has again carried them past more storied opponents. They now advance to the last 16, where they will meet Canada in Houston, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. On current evidence, few will fancy facing them.