Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty in a shootout, and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 after a 1-1 draw on Monday night, sending the Dutch to their earliest World Cup exit.
Shootout Drama
With the shootout tied at 2-2 after four rounds, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's attempt with his left hand. Saibari then sent the winner into the low left corner as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen dove the opposite way. Saibari tore off his shirt and screamed with joy as teammates mobbed him.
In the second round, with Morocco trailing 1-0, Verbruggen appeared to stop Soufiane Rahimi's attempt but couldn't secure the ball and deflected it over the line with the back of his leg.
Netherlands' Early Exit
The Netherlands had reached at least the Round of 16 in 11 previous World Cups, including a quarterfinal appearance in 2022. Morocco advanced to the semifinals that year. In the expanded 2026 tournament, 32 teams reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute for the Netherlands, assisted by Summerville. After the goal, the Dutch bench ran onto the field to embrace Gakpo, who broke down in tears. Gakpo and his partner Noa van der Bij recently announced they lost their unborn child.
Morocco's Equalizer
Morocco's Issa Diop tied the match in the 91st minute. Chemsdine Talbi sent a looping cross from about 28 yards on the left side, and Diop connected with a clean header that Verbruggen had no chance to stop.
Neither team created a strong scoring opportunity in 30 minutes of extra time at Estadio BBVA.
Next Round
Morocco advances to face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston. It was the second game of the tournament to conclude with a shootout; Paraguay beat Germany on penalties earlier Monday. The teams entered with the highest combined ranking of any Round of 32 match: Morocco was sixth in the world, the Netherlands seventh.
