Netherlands 1–1 Morocco (Morocco win 3–2 on pens) — Round of 32, Match 75
Morocco beat Netherlands 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in Match 75 of the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026. Morocco advanced to the Round of 16; Netherlands were eliminated.
World Cup 2026 · Round of 32 · Match 75
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. 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.
Morocco coming in
Morocco came through Group C as runners-up with 7 points and a +3 goal difference. 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.
Match recap
The match played out as many Morocco games do — a tense, physical contest where neither side found clear dominance. 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 it meant
Morocco advanced to the Round of 16, where they beat co-hosts Canada 3–0 in Houston on July 4, before losing 0–2 to France in the quarter-finals. See the Morocco team page for their knockout route, or the bracket.