Morocco takes down the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes!

This marks the second time in their history that Morocco has overcome a major UEFA power on penalties at the World Cup, four years after their improbable victory over Spain in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions created the better opportunities in the first half, but Verbruggen kept the scores level with two fantastic saves in a three-minute span.

Despite coming out second-best after the interval, the Oranje found the breakthrough courtesy of Gakpo, which looked to be enough to win the tie.

However, Diop's timely header in the first minute of stoppages pushed the game to a cagey extra-time period, where Rahmi had a gilt-edged opportunity denied by a quick-thinking Verbruggen at point-blank range.

Koopmeiners gave Koeman's side the perfect start in the spot-kicks, but misses from Kluivert and Timber, as well as Bounou's save on Summerville, presented Saibari with the opportunity to confirm his side's spot in the next round.

He took it with aplomb from 12 yards out to end the game.

Morocco now advances to a last-16 tie against co-hosts Canada in Houston on July 4, while the Netherlands' quest for a first World Cup win will continue until at least 2030.

That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup round-of-32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco at Estadio Monterrey.

Final Score

FULL-TIME AFTER EXTRA-TIME AND PENALTIES: NETHERLANDS 1-1 MOROCCO (2-3 ON PENALTIES)

PENALTY SHOOTOUT GOAL!

MOROCCO ARE THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16!

Verbruggen guesses the wrong way, leaving the entire side of the goal open.

Saibari makes no mistake, rolling a low penalty into the bottom corner with accuracy.

He whips off his shirt and celebrates with the overjoyed Morocco technical staff and supporters!

BONOU WITH A HUGE SAVE!

Summerville takes a long run-up and drives his penalty right of center, but Bounou doesn't fully commit to his dive.

He takes a step in the right direction before throwing out his left glove to punch the winger's spot-kick away!

It's still 2-2!

Morocco now has a chance to seal the tie!

OFF THE POST!

INCREDIBLE!

Hakimi steps up for the penalty, looking to give his side a captain's contribution, but his low, right-footed effort smashes off the base of the woodwork and cannons back out!

Verbruggen had no chance.

It's still 2-2!

MISSED!

Timber sends the goalkeeper the wrong way, faking one direction before pulling his shot to the other side and missing the net completely!

The score remains 2-2, but this gives Morocco a chance to take the lead!

GOAL!

Talbi converts the penalty, curling a right-footed shot perfectly to level the score at 2-2!

He also assisted Diop's equalizer earlier.

GOAL!

Weghorst, no stranger to power, steps up confidently and sweeps his right foot at the ball, sending his effort high above the outstretched hand of a diving Bounou and into the top corner!

2-1 Netherlands!

GOAL!

A REAL SLICE OF LUCK!

Rahimi converts the penalty, but it's a fortunate one!

Verbruggen gets a hand to the spot-kick, which was aimed just right of center, but the ball squirms underneath the goalkeeper and off his foot to level the scores at 1-1!

MISS!

OFF THE POST!

Kluivert, who entered as a substitute in the second period of extra time, steps up for the penalty with a stuttering run-up, but his low effort clangs off the base of the post and stays out!

It's still 1-0 Netherlands!

MISS!

OFF THE CROSSBAR!

El Aynaoui, who played the entire game, meticulously places the ball and sends his right-footed penalty off the crossbar and out, even though he sent Verbruggen the wrong way!

It remains 1-0!