Yassine Bounou starred in the shoot-out as the Atlas Lions knocked out the Netherlands after a dramatic late comeback in Monterrey.
Monterrey, Mexico (Running Africa) — Morocco became the first African nation to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time on Monday.
The Atlas Lions appeared destined for elimination when Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute, leaving Morocco just minutes away from crashing out of the tournament.
However, the North Africans produced another memorable World Cup comeback deep into stoppage time. Defender Issa Diop powered home a dramatic header to level the score and send the match into extra time, sparking celebrations among the Moroccan supporters in Monterrey.
Morocco continued to press for a winner during the additional 30 minutes and came closest through Soufiane Rahimi, whose close-range effort was brilliantly denied by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match was settled in a tense penalty shootout. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save before the Atlas Lions held their nerve to claim a 3-2 shootout victory.
The victory extends Morocco’s remarkable rise on the global stage following its historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and keeps Africa’s hopes alive as the continent continues its strongest-ever campaign at the expanded 2026 tournament.
