Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands hope, Issa Diop equalized in stoppage time, and Morocco completed a dramatic penalty-shootout win to reach the World Cup last 16.
Another European giant is out. Another penalty shootout has broken Dutch hearts.
Morocco eliminated the Netherlands from the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time at BBVA Stadium in Guadalupe. Cody Gakpo looked to have sent the Oranje toward the last 16, but Issa Diop equalized in stoppage time before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty.
For the Netherlands, it was a painful and familiar ending. Just as in 2014 and 2022, the Oranje left the World Cup after a penalty shootout. Ronald Koeman’s side had talent, experience and control in phases, but Morocco had resilience, courage and the emotional force to survive the hardest moments.
The first half was tense rather than spectacular. The Netherlands tried to build through possession, but Morocco’s defensive structure disrupted the Dutch rhythm and prevented clean passing lanes in the final third. Walid Regragui’s team also had the best chances before halftime.
Bart Verbruggen produced a brilliant save to deny Neil El Aynaoui, while Saibari failed to connect with a ball that flashed dangerously across the goal line. Morocco had the sharper moments, while the Netherlands struggled to turn possession into real danger.
The second half brought more urgency from the Oranje. Koeman introduced Wout Weghorst, and the move helped change the rhythm of the Dutch attack. In the 72nd minute, the Netherlands finally broke through. Summerville helped create the vertical move, and Gakpo finished to make it 1-0.
It was one of the most emotional goals of the tournament. Gakpo, who has been living through an intensely painful personal moment after his partner lost their baby during pregnancy, broke down in tears as his teammates surrounded him. It was a powerful image in a World Cup already full of human stories beyond the field.
But Morocco refused to disappear.
Achraf Hakimi had already hit the crossbar shortly before Gakpo’s goal, and the Atlas Lions kept pushing until the final seconds. In the 91st minute, Issa Diop rose to the occasion, scoring the equalizer and sending the Moroccan fans into delirium.
Extra time belonged more to Morocco than to the Netherlands. The Oranje dropped deeper, while Morocco played with confidence and belief. Verbruggen had to produce another outstanding save, this time denying Soufiane Rahimi and keeping the match alive.
Then came penalties.
The shootout was chaotic and full of mistakes. Teun Koopmeiners scored for the Netherlands, but Justin Kluivert hit the post, Quinten Timber missed wide, and Cryscencio Summerville was denied by Yassine Bounou. Morocco also suffered: El Aynaoui hit the bar and Hakimi struck the post. But Rahimi and Chemsdine Talbi converted, and Saibari stepped up for the decisive kick.
He scored. Morocco advanced. The Netherlands went home.
For Morocco, this win revives memories of the magical run that captivated the world in Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions are back in the last 16 and will now face Canada, which defeated South Africa 1-0.
For the Netherlands, it is another brutal chapter in a long and painful World Cup penalty history.
Match Report
Netherlands 1-1 Morocco
After Extra Time: 1-1
Morocco wins 4-3 on penalties
Halftime: 0-0
Goals: 72’ Gakpo, 90+1’ Issa Diop
Assists: 72’ Summerville, 90+1’ Chemsdine Talbi
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Aké (71’ T. Koopmeiners); Dumfries, Gravenberch (86’ Q. Timber), F. de Jong (110’ De Roon), Van de Ven (86’ Hato); Summerville, Brobbey (71’ Weghorst), Gakpo (113’ J. Kluivert).
Coach: Ronald Koeman
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad (76’ Salah-Eddine), Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi (79’ El Mourabet); Brahim Díaz (79’ Gessime Yassine), Ounahi (87’ Rahimi), El Khannouss (87’ Chemsdine Talbi); Saibari.
Coach: Ouahbi
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Yellow Cards: Issa Diop
Red Cards: None
Penalty Shootout:
T. Koopmeiners scored,
El Aynaoui missed,
J. Kluivert missed,
Rahimi scored,
Weghorst scored,
Chemsdine Talbi scored,
Q. Timber missed,
Hakimi missed,
Summerville saved,
Saibari scored.
