World Cup 2026

Morocco progress past Netherlands: Fixture list and route to the World Cup final

A thrilling victory for Morocco sets up a round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Canada.

Eloisa Sanchez

Journalist, AS USA

A journalist, soccer fanatic and Shrewsbury Town fan, Will’s love for the game has withstood countless playoff final losses. After graduating from the University of Liverpool he wrote for a number of British publications before joining AS USA in 2020. His work focuses on the Premier League, LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and the global game.

Update: Jun 30th, 2026 00:51 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands in a thrilling knockout clash on Monday, securing a place in the World Cup round of 16. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists dominated the game against the Netherlands and snatched the victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.

It was the Netherlands who took the lead in Monterrey, Cody Gakpo firing home from close range with less than 20 minutes to go. Morocco, who had been the more proactive team for much of the game, struggled to break down a resolute Dutch defense but they finally got level in second half stoppage time.

Fulham defender Issa Diop rose highest to head home in the 91st minute of the game, drawing Morocco level and taking the game to extra time. No goals were found and Morocco triumphed on spot kicks, with top scorer Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive winning penalty.

Netherlands and Morocco gave us an instant classic in penalties 🍿 pic.twitter.com/97glBm7S1B
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 30, 2026

They will be looking to make a historic run to the final this summer, but they have a tough route to get there...

Who will Morocco play in the round of 16?

Morocco will take on co-hosts Canada, who beat South Africa to claim their first-ever World Cup knockout win.

Where? Houston, July 3

Who could Morocco play in the quarter-final?

The most likely quarter-final opponent is France, who are expected to beat Sweden and Paraguay en route to the final eight.

Where? Boston, July 9

Who could Morocco play in the semi-final?

Morocco could be up against either Spain or Portugal in a semi-final, or co-hosts USA if they make a run to the final four.

Where? Dallas, July 14

Who could Morocco play in the World Cup final?

If Morocco can improve on their 2022 showing and make it to the World Cup final they will come up against the winning team to emerge from the other side of the bracket. That includes the likes of Brazil, England but the most tantalizing prospect would be a meeting with Lionel Messi and Argentina, who clinched the trophy four years ago.

Where? New York/New Jersey, July 19