Morocco, the fourth-place team from the last World Cup, advanced to the second round of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Mohamed Ouaahbi's men defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
⚽ NETHERLANDS – MOROCCO a.e.t. 1:1 (0:0). Penalties 2:3
Penalty shootout: Koopmeiners 1:0, El-Aynaoui (crossbar), Kluivert (post), Rahimi 1:1, Weghorst 2:1, Talbi 2:2, Timber (missed), Hakimi (post), Summerville (saved), Saibari 2:3.
The Dutch-Moroccan clash concluded a busy second day of playoff action. Brazil narrowly defeated Japan, while Germany sensationally lost to Paraguay in the Round of 16, losing a penalty shootout at a World Cup for the first time in 96 years. The match in Monterrey also went to spot-kicks.
After a cautious start, the African champions created the first real chances. Netherlands and Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made two saves within two minutes, denying Roma's Niel El-Aynaoui and Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi.
After the break, Morocco captain Hakimi continued to trouble the Dutch defense. In the 52nd minute, his powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Morocco came closer to scoring but, as often happens, conceded instead. During a quick counterattack, West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, falling under pressure from a defender, managed to pass to Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward made no mistake – 1-0.
Ronald Koeman's fans had already started celebrating, but in the first minute of stoppage time added by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, Fulham defender Issa Diop equalized – 1-1.
In extra time, Soufiane Rahimi should have put the Atlas Lions ahead, but Verbruggen made an incredible save, blocking the Al Ain striker's shot from point-blank range.
Ultimately, the teams had to decide the winner from the penalty spot, and luck favored Morocco.
With the last penalty, the first Round of 16 pair was determined. On July 4 in Houston, Canada will face Morocco for a place in the quarterfinals.
⚽ SOUTH AFRICA – CANADA 0:1, BRAZIL – JAPAN 2:1
⚽ GERMANY – PARAGUAY a.e.t. 1:1, pen. 3:4, NETHERLANDS – MOROCCO a.e.t. 1:1, pen. 2:3, IVORY COAST – NORWAY
⚽ FRANCE – SWEDEN, MEXICO – ECUADOR, ENGLAND – DR CONGO
⚽ BELGIUM – SENEGAL, USA – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
⚽ SPAIN – AUSTRIA, PORTUGAL – CROATIA, SWITZERLAND – ALGERIA, AUSTRALIA – EGYPT
⚽ ARGENTINA – CAPE VERDE, COLOMBIA – GHANA
The 23rd edition of the World Cup started on June 11 and will end on July 19. The global football tournament is being held in three countries for the first time – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and features 48 teams for the first time.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams continue the competition.
The 2026 World Cup will conclude on the night of July 19-20 with the final match in New York.