Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman’s concerns about the strength of Morocco proved well-founded. The Oranje were eliminated in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The Netherlands came within moments of securing victory after Cody Gakpo put his side ahead in the 72nd minute. The Liverpool forward dedicated the emotional goal to his late child. However, heartbreak struck in the very first minute of stoppage time when Issa Diop headed home the equalizer.
Neither side could find a winner during the two 15-minute periods of extra time, sending the match to penalties.
For the Netherlands, Justin Kluivert, Quentin Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all failed to convert their spot kicks. Morocco missed two penalties through Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi, but Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive fifth penalty, beating goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to send the Atlas Lions into the next round.
Ironically, Saibari developed as a footballer in the Netherlands and currently plays for PSV Eindhoven.
Morocco will now face Canada, who advanced after eliminating South Africa, in the Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 5, 2026.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his team had earned worldwide respect after knocking out the Netherlands.
“Morocco has now earned everyone’s respect—not because of what we say, but because we’ve proven it on the pitch,” he said.
Ouahbi added that Morocco had controlled much of the match despite needing a penalty shootout to progress. He described the Netherlands’ defensive approach as surprising but viewed it as recognition of Morocco’s growing reputation on the international stage.
The 49-year-old coach also believes Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals in Qatar has fundamentally changed the country’s football mentality.
Meanwhile, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said Morocco’s success reflected the rapid progress of African football.
“It is very clear at this World Cup that African teams have improved tremendously, both tactically and in the way they play,” Koeman said.
Koeman acknowledged that some critics questioned his decision to deploy a five-man defense, arguing it made his team too defensive. However, he insisted the tactical approach was designed to keep the Netherlands compact against elite opposition during the tournament.
“You simply cannot allow a team of that quality to find space,” Koeman said.***
