Morocco Advances to FIFA World Cup Round of 16 After Penalty Shootout Win Over Netherlands

In a dramatic penalty shootout, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bono played a pivotal role with a brilliant save, becoming the hero of the match. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 spot was decided by penalties.

Kathmandu, June 16 – Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by overcoming the Netherlands 3-2 in a tense penalty shootout. The Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono made a crucial save to help seal the victory. Both teams had two players each who missed their penalties.

Morocco, who made history by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, will face co-host Canada in the next round. The match remained tied 1-1 after regular and extra time before the winner was decided through spots kicks. Moroccan scorers Saouaf Rahimi, Chemseddine Talbi, and Ismaila Sabyri converted their penalties. However, Neil Al Ainawi’s shot went wide, and captain Achraf Hakimi’s strike hit the post and bounced out.

On the Dutch side, only Tyun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst managed to score from the spot. Justin Kluivert’s penalty hit the post, while Quinten Timber’s attempt went wide. Cresencio Summerhill’s effort was successfully saved by Morocco’s Yassine Bono.

During regular play at Guadalajara Stadium, Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, scoring from a Cresencio Summerhill pass. However, the Dutch failed to hold on to their lead, as Morocco equalized in injury time. Iza Diop scored in the first minute of added time following an assist from Chemseddine Talbi, bringing the score to 1-1 and sending the match into extra time and ultimately, penalties.