Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 and changed the course of African football history on Tuesday by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties, continuing their incredible FIFA World Cup odyssey.
After a thrilling game ended 1-1 after extra time, the Atlas Lions won 3-2 in the shootout. In the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead, but Issa Diop’s spectacular late equalizer kept Morocco alive and forced an additional half-hour.
Goalie Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to deny Crysencio Summerville after both teams missed two penalties apiece. Ismael Saibari then simply converted the winning kick.
During their incredible journey to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, Morocco had already won two knockout games. Only Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010 had won the tournament’s knockout stages for Africa prior to that.
Additionally, Opta disclosed that Morocco had the best possession percentage of any African team in a World Cup quarterfinal match since records started in 1966—70% during open play versus the Netherlands.
Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over just a few months ago, Africa’s top-ranked side, who came to the 2026 World Cup ranked seventh in the FIFA world rankings, has continued to make an impression. Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to a historic semi-final appearance four years ago, laid the groundwork for his team.
In an attempt to prolong their historic World Cup campaign, Morocco will now play co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
