Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday in a dramatic penalty shootout that followed a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. The North African side advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Canada.
The Dutch, considered one of the tournament favorites after scoring 10 goals in group play, were sent home after a series of events that left their tournament run in question.
The pivotal moment in the shootout came when Moroccan forward Soufiane Rahimi appeared to have his penalty kick saved by Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Verbruggen dove to his right and appeared to catch the ball with both hands, but it slipped free and crossed the goal line. This decision tied the shootout and ultimately set the stage for Morocco's victory.
Morocco's advancement was sealed by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who made a crucial save on Crysencio Summerville's final penalty attempt, batting the ball away with his left hand.
The Dutch team's exit marks the first time they have failed to reach the Round of 16 since 2006. The result has intensified scrutiny on Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. "Is it on my mind yet? I do have my thoughts on that," Koeman told Dutch outlet NOS.nl, as reported by Sky Sports. "But it doesn’t seem like the right moment to say anything about it now."
Some analysts, including former player Zlatan Ibrahimović, have criticized Koeman's tactical decisions, particularly a shift in formation from four to five defenders, which they believe contributed to the team's collapse. "This loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognize this Dutch team," Ibrahimović stated postgame.
Morocco will now prepare to face Canada in Houston on Saturday.