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The World Cup offered a second miraculous moment on Monday evening.
The Netherlands, favorites to win the tournament after years of long runs, took a late lead when Cody Gakpo took control of a loose ball in the box and sent it into the back of the net. But the lead did not last long, as Moroccan Issa Diop headed a goal past the Dutch goalkeeper in stoppage time.
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Moroccan Ismael Saibari reacts after scoring the winning penalty during the round of 16 of the World Cup between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 29, 2026. (Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press)
Morocco and the Netherlands went to penalties. Moroccan Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty to give Morocco the 3-2 victory in the phase, propelling the team into the round of 16.
“We know that when we do everything on the pitch, it is God who also gives something back to us,” Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after the match. “We give all the energy we have on the pitch. Rahimi’s goal might not have been a goal, but it was scored, fortunately.”
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Dutch players react after the World Cup round of 16 match against Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 29, 2026. (Ricardo Mazalán/AP)
The Dutch had reached at least the round of 16 at the last 11 World Cups, including a quarter-final appearance in 2022 in Qatar. It was the same year that Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
Morocco will face Canada in the round of 16 in Houston on Saturday. Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
“I think Morocco has now earned everyone’s respect,” Ouahbi said. “I considered (the Netherlands’ style of play) a form of respect.”
It was the last surprising knockout of the World Cup.
The Moroccan team celebrates its victory on penalties in the round of 32 of the World Cup against the Netherlands in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, June 29, 2026. (Sofia Yaker/AP Photo)
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Paraguay beat Germany after a controversial decision to cancel a German goal late in the match.
