Morocco secured their place in the 2026 World Cup last 16 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands, with Ismael Saibari converting the decisive spot-kick.

The match had ended 1-1 after extra time. Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead, but Issa Diop's late header forced the game to penalties. After misses from Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou's save from Crysencio Summerville's fourth kick gave Saibari the chance to win it – and he slotted home to send the Atlas Lions through.

Morocco dominated large spells of the contest, with Saibari continuing his outstanding tournament after scoring in all three group matches.

Defender Noussair Mazraoui, who played the full 120 minutes, acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture. He described the Netherlands as one of the best opponents in world football and a genuine contender for the title. He said the manner of the victory was a significant achievement for the national team.

The first half was fiercely contested. Saibari and Jan Paul van Hecke were involved in an altercation, while Azzedine Ounahi required a change of shirt after his jersey was torn during a tussle with Brian Brobbey. Chadi Riad avoided a booking after catching Van Hecke with an elbow in an aerial challenge.

Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was called into action early, denying El Aynaoui from a corner and tipping a powerful Achraf Hakimi drive over the bar. Van Hecke was left bloodied after an accidental knee to the head from Saibari.

Morocco continued to press after the break, with Hakimi hitting the crossbar and Verbruggen saving from Bilal El Khannouss.

The Netherlands made a double change, introducing Wout Weghorst and Teun Koopmeiners. The move paid off when Weghorst set up Summerville, who found Gakpo to finish low past Bounou. Gakpo, who had revealed over the weekend that he and his partner had lost their unborn son, pointed to the sky in an emotional celebration.

As the game entered stoppage time, substitute Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross for Diop to head home and force extra time.

Soufiane Rahimi had a golden chance to win it in extra time, but Verbruggen produced a world-class save. Gakpo was replaced by Justin Kluivert as penalties approached.

In the shoot-out, Koopmeiners scored before El Aynaoui hit the post. Kluivert also struck the woodwork, but Rahimi's effort squirmed under Verbruggen. Weghorst and Talbi both converted, while Quinten Timber missed. Summerville's penalty was saved by Bounou, leaving Saibari, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, to send Morocco through with the final kick.

Morocco will now face Canada in the last 16 on Saturday.