Morocco produced another memorable FIFA World Cup performance, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after an absorbing 1-1 draw in the Round of 32 at Estadio Monterrey. The dramatic victory sends the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16, while the Dutch bow out after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat.
The match was a showcase of resilience from Morocco, who equalised deep into stoppage time before holding their nerve from the spot to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
📊 Match Summary
| ⚽ Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| 🥅 Stage | Round of 32 |
| 🏟️ Venue | Estadio Monterrey |
| ⏱️ Full Time | Morocco 1-1 Netherlands |
| 🎯 Penalty Shootout | Morocco won 3-2 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands Scorer | Cody Gakpo (72′) |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco Scorer | Diop (90+1′) |
⚽ Tight First Half Ends Goalless
The opening 45 minutes turned into a tactical battle, with both sides showing discipline in defence.
The Netherlands enjoyed more possession early on but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as Morocco remained compact at the back. Morocco gradually grew into the contest, with El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi forcing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into important saves. At the other end, Yassine Bounou also produced a fine stop to deny Micky van de Ven, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
🇳🇱 Gakpo Gives Netherlands the Lead
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Wout Weghorst helped create the move before Jayden Summerville delivered a cross into the penalty area. Cody Gakpo timed his run perfectly and fired beneath Bounou to hand the Netherlands a crucial 1-0 advantage.
With the lead in hand, the Dutch looked set to book their place in the Round of 16.
🇲🇦 Morocco Strike Back in Stoppage Time
Morocco refused to surrender and increased the pressure during the closing stages.
Their persistence paid off in the 91st minute when Talbi delivered a superb cross into the box and Diop rose highest to power home an equaliser, sending the match into extra time and keeping Morocco’s World Cup dream alive.
🎯 Atlas Lions Hold Their Nerve
Extra time produced chances for both teams, with Morocco coming closest through substitute Rahimi, only for Bart Verbruggen to make a brilliant close-range save.
Neither side could find a winner after 120 minutes, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. Morocco remained composed from the spot, converting when it mattered most to claim a 3-2 victory on penalties and secure their place in the Round of 16.
📌 Match Highlights
- ✅ Morocco defeat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties
- ⚽ Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute
- ⚽ Diop equalised in the 91st minute
- 🧤 Bart Verbruggen produced several outstanding saves
- 🇲🇦 Morocco advance to the Round of 16
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands eliminated after penalty heartbreak
📺 Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live
Fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 live on ZEE5 with commentary available in Malayalam, English, Hindi, and Bangla, while television coverage is available on Unite8 Sports channels.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 Fixtures
Wednesday, 01 July 2026 – IST Schedule
| No. | Date | Time (IST) | Match | Stage | Stadium | City / Country | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wed, 01 July 2026 | 02:30 AM | 🇫🇷 France vs 🇸🇪 Sweden | Round of 32 | New York / New Jersey Stadium | New Jersey, USA | ZEE5 |
| 2 | Wed, 01 July 2026 | 06:30 AM | 🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Round of 32 | Mexico City Stadium | Mexico City, Mexico | ZEE5 |
| 3 | Wed, 01 July 2026 | 09:30 PM | 🏴 England vs 🇨🇩 Congo DR | Round of 32 | Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta, USA | ZEE5 |
