🇳🇱 Netherlands vs Morocco 🇲🇦 — Match recap
Morocco knocked out the Netherlands on penalties in Monterrey — one of the standout results of the World Cup 2026 Round of 32. After a 1-1 draw on June 29, Morocco won the shoot-out 3-2 to advance to the Round of 16.
6 p.m. (PT)
3 a.m. (CET)
How to watch replays and highlights
Match context
Match 75 in Monterrey was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Round of 32. The Netherlands, Group F winners with 7 points and a +6 goal difference, were considered among the favourites to progress deep into the tournament. Morocco, Group C runners-up with 7 points and +3 GD, had shown consistently that they could compete with top-tier opposition — but few expected them to win a penalty shoot-out against a Dutch side with plenty of experience in knockout football.
The result is one of two defining upsets of the Round of 32, alongside Paraguay's elimination of Germany on the same day. Morocco's path continues on the bracket visualiser.
Netherlands coming in
The Netherlands had looked impressive throughout the group stage, winning Group F with 7 points and a +6 goal difference. {{NETHERLANDS_GROUP_RECORD}}. Their combination of technical midfield play and physical forward play made them one of the most complete squads in the tournament — a side expected to challenge for at least the semi-finals.
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Morocco coming in
Morocco came through Group C as runners-up with 7 points and a +3 goal difference. {{MOROCCO_GROUP_RECORD}}. Their 2022 World Cup semi-final run established them as a team capable of eliminating European giants, and this squad carried the same defensive DNA — organised, disciplined, and dangerous on the break.
Key players: {{KEY_PLAYER_MAR_1}} ({{POSITION_1}}), {{KEY_PLAYER_MAR_2}} ({{POSITION_2}}), {{KEY_PLAYER_MAR_3}} ({{POSITION_3}}).
Match recap
The match played out as many Morocco games do — a tense, physical contest where neither side found clear dominance. Goals arrived at {{GOAL_TIMES}}: the Netherlands opened the scoring but Morocco's equaliser brought the game level before the end of normal time.
Extra time produced no further goals. Morocco's defensive discipline held firm, and when the shoot-out arrived, their goalkeeper made the crucial saves. The Netherlands missed the penalties that would have sent them through, while Morocco converted three of their attempts to win 3-2.
The Netherlands exit at the Round of 32 — a result that will be examined closely in Dutch football. For Morocco, it is another historic moment, confirming that their 2022 run was no fluke and that they remain among Africa's most formidable sides on the world stage.
What's next for Morocco
Morocco advance to the Round of 16 as one of the tournament's most dangerous remaining sides. Track their full bracket path on the bracket visualiser. See the Morocco team page for their knockout route.