Morocco beats Netherlands in penalty shootout, advances to World Cup round of 16

Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the round of 16 at the 2026 men's World Cup, according to journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12). Morocco will now face Canada in the first knockout match, Goldfriend confirmed.

Morocco advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 men's World Cup on Tuesday morning after beating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, journalist Ben Goldfriend (N12) reported. Saibari scored the decisive penalty to send Morocco through. The win sets up a round-of-16 match against Canada — a fixture Goldfriend confirmed shortly after the result.

As The Zioneer reported at 06:55, Morocco had just secured the dramatic shootout win; the opponent for the round of 16 was still unknown at that time. The updated bulletin from Goldfriend now confirms it is Canada, who qualified following their 1-0 group-stage win over South Africa on Sunday.

Morocco had previously reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, and their advance to the last 16 continues a strong showing in the tournament. Canada, co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, will face a Moroccan side with deep recent experience in the knockout rounds.

4 developments

1. 09:15 · 30 JunLatest

   The victory was secured via a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

2. 08:53 · 30 Jun

   Match ended in a 1-1 draw before the penalty shootout.

3. 07:19 · 30 Jun

   Morocco will face Canada in the first knockout match

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