Morocco on Tuesday qualified for the 2026 World Cup round of 16 by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in their round-of-32 fixture, after a 120-minute 1-1 draw at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Cody Gakpo put the Dutch ahead in the 72nd minute.
The Moroccans roared back to life after Issa Diop scored a header in the 91st to level the scoreline, taking the game to extra time and a penalty shootout.
It became the second consecutive penalty shootout match of the tournament, which went in favour of the former African champions.
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada on Saturday in the next knockout round at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States.



