2026 World Cup: Morocco become first African team to qualify for Round of 16

Morocco became the first African country to progress into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions saw off The Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out, after the game ended 1-1 in 120 minutes.

Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch in front in the 72nd minute of the match.

Crysencio Summerville charged through on goal before being dragged down by Mazraoui, but Gakpo reacts quickest to smash the ball home.

But Morocco fought back to equalize, thanks to Issa Diop’s header.

During the shoot-out, Quentin Timber, Crysencio Summerville and Justin Kluivert all missed for The Netherlands, as they exited the competition.

Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada for a place in the quarter-final.