Morocco Makes History as First African Team in Round of 16

Morocco made history by becoming the first African team to progress to the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Netherlands ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute, but Morocco equalized with a header from Issa Diop. The game proceeded to penalties, where Morocco triumphed 3-2.

Notably, Crycencio Summerville and Justin Kluivert missed their penalty shots for the Netherlands, leading to their exit from the competition. Morocco will now face co-host Canada in the quarter-finals.