The Netherlands have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the Round of 32.
After a 1-1 draw through extra time, Morocco held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the second half, but Issa Diop’s stoppage-time equalizer forced extra time before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to send the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16.
The result marks the Netherlands’ earliest-ever exit from a World Cup, ending their campaign in the opening knockout round. Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their impressive tournament run.