MOROCCO produced a major World Cup shock by defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to book their place in the Round of 16 and end the Dutch campaign at an unexpectedly early stage.
Ismael Saibari held his nerve to score the winning penalty, sending goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way and sealing Morocco’s progression after a tense shootout that finished 3-2 on penalties.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved decisive in the shootout, producing a crucial save from Crysencio Summerville’s effort with Morocco level after four rounds, before Saibari stepped up to convert the winner into the bottom corner.
The Netherlands had taken the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished from a Crysencio Summerville assist, with Dutch players and staff rushing to celebrate as the forward broke down in tears amid recent personal tragedy following the loss of his unborn child.
Morocco struck back deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home a long cross from Chemsdine Talbi in the 91st minute to force extra time.
Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in extra time at Estadio BBVA, setting up the decisive shootout — the second of the tournament after Paraguay’s earlier penalty victory over Germany.
The result represents a significant upset given both teams entered the match highly ranked, with Morocco sixth in the world and the Netherlands seventh, and it marks a premature exit for a Dutch side that had reached at least the Round of 16 in every World Cup since 1994. - June 30, 2026
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