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  • Netherlands vs Morocco Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Morocco beat Netherlands 3-2 in penalties

Morocco pulled off a historic upset as Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to send the Atlas Lions past the Netherlands 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey on Monday night, ending the Dutch team’s earliest World Cup exit in decades.

The shootout was finely balanced at 2-2 after four rounds when Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a crucial save, diving to his left to deny Crysencio Summerville. That stop opened the door for Saibari, who calmly placed his effort into the bottom-left corner as Bart Verbruggen committed the wrong way, sealing Morocco’s passage.

The Netherlands had led through Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute strike, set up by Summerville, sparking emotional scenes as the Dutch bench rushed onto the pitch in celebration. Gakpo, who recently revealed a personal tragedy with his partner Noa van der Bij, was visibly emotional.

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However, Morocco struck back in dramatic fashion when Issa Diop equalised in the 91st minute, heading home Chemsdine Talbi’s long cross to force extra time.

Neither side created a clear chance in extra time, leading to penalties in a match featuring two of the highest-ranked teams in the round. Morocco (6th) ultimately prevailed over the Netherlands (7th) in a tense, high-quality knockout battle.

Ismael Saibari’s fine scoring form continues to define Morocco’s campaign, as the midfielder once again played a decisive role in carrying the Atlas Lions through the group stage and staying influential deep into this knockout contest. He has come agonisingly close to settling the match on multiple occasions, underlining his growing impact on the big stage.

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And with the shootout winner, the travelling Morocco supporters in Monterrey have been rewarded with truly remarkable scenes in the stands, celebrating a famous night for their side.

Bounou saves it! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco

Saibari scores! Netherlands 2-3 Morocco

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Ismael Saibari’s penalty wins it for Morocco. A remarkable finish to a classic in Monterrey

Timber misses! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco

Hakimi hits the post! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco

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Weghorst scores! Netherlands 2-1 Morocco

Talbi scores! Netherlands 2-2 Morocco

Koopmeiners scores! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco

El Aynaoui hits the bar! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco

Kluivert hits the post! Netherlands 1-0 Morocco

Rahimi scores! Netherlands 1-1 Morocco

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No goals in the 30 minutes of extra time. The penalty shootout will now decide the winner.

After 120 minutes of contest, it remains 1-1 between Netherlands and Morocco.

Concern for De Jong as Dutch reshuffle becomes necessary. Frenkie de Jong signals to the bench while grimacing and clutching his right leg, and his night comes to an end. He is replaced by Marten de Roon in a forced change for the Netherlands.

Morocco continue to control large spells of possession, but the Dutch will feel there is more to come from them if they can reset tactically and respond better to the pressure in these closing stages.

Morocco enjoyed the bulk of possession in the first half of extra time, but without much end product.

Despite their territorial dominance, they managed just one clear opening on goal, which was brilliantly denied by Netherlands goalkeeper Verbruggen to keep the scores level.

Netherlands keeper makes a stunning save to deny Morocco a goal.

What a save from Verbruggen! Rahimi bursts clean through the Dutch defence and looks certain to put Morocco ahead, but the Netherlands goalkeeper produces a sensational stop, getting both a hand and a thigh to the effort to somehow keep it out. A match-saving intervention when his side needed it most.

We're headed for extra time! The Netherlands and Morocco are locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a late winner in a gripping Round of 32 contest.

Remarkably, all four knockout matches so far have gone beyond regulation time, underlining just how fiercely contested this World Cup has become.

WHAT A GOAL!!! Issa Diop with a strong header to level the score in stoppage time.

Just when it looked like Morocco were out, Diop breathed life back into their World Cup dream. Talbi launched a hopeful, last-gasp ball into the box, and Diop twisted brilliantly to glance a header beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. It's the striker's first international goal, and suddenly the contest is alive again. What a dramatic late twist!

Morocco ring the changes. Brahim and Bouaddi make way for El Mourabet and Yassine — who scored against Haiti earlier in the tournament.

Earlier in the half, Riad was also withdrawn, with Salah Eddine coming on as Morocco look to inject fresh legs for the closing stages.

Cody Gakpo scores soon after the hydration break to give Netherlands a crucial lead.

What a moment straight after the hydration break. The entire Netherlands bench emptied onto the pitch to mob Cody Gakpo after his crucial goal.

The move was brilliantly crafted — Wout Weghorst rose to head the ball into the path of Crysencio Summerville, who, while tumbling between two defenders, managed to tee it up perfectly for Gakpo to arrive at the right place at the right time and finish.

The Netherlands continue to struggle in attack. Their only shot on target remains Ryan Gravenberch's effort in the 48th minute — a surprising return for a side that finished the group stage with 10 goals, one of only three teams to hit double figures.

Of those high-scoring teams, France are still in the hunt, while Germany have already crashed out.

Morocco pile on the pressure from a flurry of corners.

Hakimi nearly catches Verbruggen out at the near post, but the Dutch goalkeeper reacts sharply to make the save. The danger isn't over, though — Denzel Dumfries clears the second delivery, Frenkie de Jong gets a vital touch to hack away the third, and the fourth corner finally drifts too deep.

Resolute defending from the Netherlands under sustained Moroccan pressure.

Morocco are starting the second half with real intent. Achraf Hakimi burst into space after being picked out by Azzedine Ounahi, but an extra touch allowed Bart Verbruggen to narrow the angle before producing a fine save with an outstretched hand.

Just moments earlier, Bouaddi had the Atlas Lions' first effort after the restart, firing over from the edge of the box. Five minutes into the half, Morocco have seized the momentum and are asking all the questions.

A fiery start! Diop goes into the referee's book inside the opening minutes for shoving and tripping Brobbey from behind.

Summerville swings in the resulting free-kick, and although two Dutch players get slight touches on it, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou gathers comfortably.

Hakimi’s free-kick almost creates a late twist, but Ismael Saibari can’t quite sort his feet out as the ball comes at hip height and drifts wide with him crashing into the side netting.

It’s 0-0 at half-time, but this has been anything but dull, Morocco have had the better of the recent spell, while Netherlands showed flashes, including a thunderous Van de Ven effort that forced a top save from Bounou.

We’ve got six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half, plenty of time for either side to land a late blow before the break.

Netherlands finally test the keeper, and it’s a serious one. Micky van de Ven unleashes a fierce drive from distance, forcing Yassine Bounou into a sharp save as he tips it over the bar.

That’s the first real warning sign from the Dutch, and it came with real venom.

Play is halted as Jan Paul van Hecke receives treatment after a nasty knock that left him bloodied. He eventually jogs off for further attention, with the Netherlands temporarily down to 10 men.

He looks generally okay, but will need a bit of work before returning, likely even a shirt change given the damage.

Netherlands win their second corner of the spell, and Denzel Dumfries gets up to meet Summerville’s delivery but can only loop it back into danger.

On the second phase, it looks like the ball catches the head of Jan Paul van Hecke, and he’s left bleeding heavily as play briefly pauses for treatment. Netherlands continue to edge forward, but Morocco are standing firm.

Netherlands started well but have eased off, and they’ve barely tested the keeper so far.

Morocco have really taken control over the last five minutes, pushing higher and looking much more dangerous. The hydration break came at a bad moment for them, just as they were building momentum, but it’s the Netherlands who probably benefited from it more.

That’s a brilliant stop from Bart Verbruggen. Neil El Aynaoui times his run perfectly and powers a header goalward, but the Dutch keeper reacts quickly to tip it over the bar.

El Aynaoui thought he’d scored there, it was a great leap and a clean contact, but Verbruggen’s reaction keeps it level.

Netherlands think they’ve got their first real chance as Summerville races onto a long ball down the flank and drives into the box. He tries to square it for Brobbey, but a Moroccan defender gets there just ahead of him and hacks it clear, with the flag already up anyway.

History is heavily weighted in favor of the Oranje tonight, but records are made to be broken in the knockout rounds. This blockbuster clash marks only the second time the Netherlands and Morocco face each other on the grandest stage of world football. Their solitary previous World Cup encounter came over three decades ago during the 1994 edition in the United States, where the Dutch edged out a tight 2-1 victory in the group stage.

Furthermore, the Netherlands boast a formidable, unblemished record against African opposition at the World Cup. Following their comfortable 3-1 dispatch of Tunisia in the group stage, the Dutch are now unbeaten in all six of their World Cup meetings against teams from the African continent, racking up five wins and a solitary draw.

If Morocco’s attacking stats looked impressive, the Netherlands' numbers are downright terrifying. The Oranje have been an absolute goal-scoring juggernaut in this tournament, plundering a staggering 10 goals across their three group matches. Ronald Koeman has built a relentless offensive machine that can hurt opposition from absolutely anywhere.

Leading the frontline with devastating effect is Brian Brobbey, who has already bagged three goals and is firmly in the running for the Golden Boot. Right behind him, the electric duo of Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo have been terrorizing full-backs, chipping in with two goals apiece.

It's not just the forwards doing the damage either; towering center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke have both shown their aerial prowess by scoring a goal each from set-pieces. Providing the ammunition for this firing squad are Denzel Dumfries and Ryan Gravenberch, who have racked up two assists each.

As we wait for the tactical chess match to unfold on the pitch, let's dive into some fascinating numbers coming out of the Moroccan camp. The Atlas Lions have been absolutely lethal in front of goal during the group stage, racking up six goals and the threat is coming from all departments.

Midfield maestro Ismael Saibari has been the standout performer, accounting for half of Morocco’s tally with three goals to his name. The supporting cast has been equally clinical, with Soufiane Rahimi, Achraf Hakimi, and Gessime Yassine chipping in with a goal apiece. Orchestrating this attacking symphony is Real Madrid’s mercurial playmaker Brahim Diaz, who has already pulled off two brilliant assists in the tournament.

If Ismael Saibari finds the back of the net tonight against the country where he plays his club football (for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven), he will equal Cameroonian legend Roger Milla’s iconic record of four goals to become the joint-highest African goalscorer in World Cup history.

Keep your eyes firmly glued to the left channel of the Dutch attack tonight, because we are about to witness an absolute heavyweight individual battle. Cody Gakpo’s direct running and cutting-in ability have terrorized defenses all through the group stage.

However, tonight he stands face-to-face with Achraf Hakimi, arguably the quickest and most complete right-back in modern football. If Hakimi manages to pin Gakpo back by bombarding forward on the overlap, it completely neutralizes the Netherlands' primary transition outlet. But if Gakpo catches Hakimi caught too far up the pitch, Morocco’s center-backs will be exposed to isolation. This individual duel might just decide the whole match.

The wait is over. The lineups are in and there are some big calls from both coaches tonight in Monterrey!

Netherlands (3-4-3): Bart Verbruggen; Jan Paul Van Hecke, Virgil Van Dijk, Nathan Aké; Micky Van de Ven, Frenkie De Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Denzel Dumfries; Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo.

Morocco (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bounou (Bono); Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Reda Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bilal El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismail Saibari.

Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)

The big call from Ronald Koeman is that, Netherlands switch to a 3-4-3 instead of their usual 4-3-3, with Nathan Aké coming into the backline and Crysencio Summerville handed a start on the wing ahead of Donyell Malen. Cody Gakpo continues despite a difficult personal week.

For Morocco, Mohamed Ouahbi names his strongest available XI. Bono back between the sticks, Achraf Hakimi bombing forward from right back, and Ismail Saibari leading the line. The electric 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi starts in midfield alongside Bilal El Aynaoui.

Ronald Koeman has barely stopped talking about Morocco all week and not always in the way you would expect from a coach of the world's seventh-ranked team.

"I'm not sure if we are the favourites in the match against Morocco," Koeman told reporters. "We need to prepare for Morocco, because it'll be a big game. It's a good team with a lot of quality, and they can score easily."

But it was his admission on penalties that really caught the eye. "Penalty shootouts against Morocco with Bono in goal? We know we lost our last two shootouts," Koeman said. "If it comes to that stage, we'll try to win it. We train for penalty shootouts regularly and give them special attention in practice."

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has faced seven penalties across Morocco's last two major international shootouts and stopped four of them, a record that has clearly unsettled the Dutch camp.

On his side's attacking intent, Koeman was clear: "It's a very important match between two teams that want to go as far as possible in the tournament. But it is what it is, and it'll be a very attractive match. We're going to be playing offensively," he said.

Follow every moment on Morocco vs Netherlands Live Score!

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has delivered a simple but powerful message to his nation ahead of tonight's fixture. "What I can promise the Moroccan people is that we will play a very great match, Insha'Allah," he declared.

He also made it clear that Morocco's ambition at this World Cup goes far beyond simply beating the Dutch. "Morocco have entered a new stage," Ouahbi said. "The players now believe in their ability, and opponents respect Morocco. For that reason, our objective must be to win the World Cup."

On the challenge of knockout football, Ouahbi was sharp and focused. "In the last three matches, we showed that we are capable of producing good performances and we have a strong personality on the pitch," he said. "But tomorrow's match is different and requires different solutions. That is the mentality with which we will enter the game."

The Netherlands have not lost a World Cup match in normal time since 2006 against Portugal. Morocco are unbeaten in 32 matches. One of those records ends tonight.

Three games. Three goals. All of them stunning. Ismael Saibari has been the most electrifying striker at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and tonight in Monterrey, he faces his biggest examination yet.

Saibari became the first African player to score in his nation's first three World Cup group matches, and each of those goals has been a sensational finish. The PSV Eindhoven forward, who is set to make a move to Bayern Munich this summer, has been Morocco's talisman, their match-winner and their most dangerous threat throughout the tournament.

And the twist? Saibari plays in the Dutch Eredivisie, making tonight's clash against the Netherlands a deeply personal one.

Morocco also have three Dutch-born players on their side, adding another fascinating layer of shared ties to an already captivating fixture.
For the Netherlands, stopping Saibari is the number one priority. For Morocco, he is the key to unlocking one of the tournament's most dangerous defences.

Stay locked in for every moment on Morocco vs Netherlands Live Score and FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score!

If there is one match in the entire round of 32 that the football world has been circling since the draw was made, it is this one. Tonight in Monterrey, Morocco and the Netherlands, the two most impressive sides of the group stage go head to head with a place in the last 16 on the line.

Both nations finished their groups with identical seven-point hauls - the Netherlands topping Group F, Morocco second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference.

The Netherlands have scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup and have emerged as a side to watch, while Morocco arrive on an extraordinary unbeaten run of 32 matches.

Morocco took out Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their historic run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 and no longer look out of place among elite European opposition. The only previous competitive meeting between the two, at the 1994 World Cup, ended 2-1 to the Dutch. Morocco will be desperate to rewrite that history tonight.

Follow every twist on Morocco vs Netherlands Live Score right here on TOI Sports!

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Source: The Times of India