Morocco Edges Netherlands in Penalty Shootout to Advance
Morocco booked their spot in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties. The match ended 1-1 after extra time in Monterrey, with the North Africans dominating large periods of play.
The Dutch took the lead in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo, who had revealed earlier that he lost his unborn son, finished a swift counter‑attack. Morocco responded in stoppage time, as Issa Diop rose highest to head home a cross from Chemsdine Taldi, forcing the game into extra time.
Both sides created chances during the additional period, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a standout save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi. With no further goals, the contest moved to a penalty shootout.
The shootout swung back and forth before Dutch misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville proved decisive. Ismail Saibari then calmly placed the winning penalty into the bottom corner, sending Morocco through to face Canada in Houston.
Germany’s World Cup Woes Continue as Paraguay Prevail
Elsewhere, Germany’s disappointing World Cup run persisted as the four‑time champions crashed out after a 4-3 penalty loss to Paraguay. The match finished 1-1 after extra time in Philadelphia.
Paraguay struck first just before halftime when Julio Enciso headed home to give the South Americans a surprise lead. Germany levelled after the break, with Kai Havertz glancing in a cross from Florian Wirtz.
In extra time, Germany thought they had completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed after a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill by Waldemar Anton. The penalty shootout saw Gill save efforts from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Paraguay also missed chances, including a wide effort from Antonio Sanabria and a save by Manuel Neuer on Fabián Balbuena.
Sudden death brought more drama: Tah’s effort went over the bar before José Canale calmly converted the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Paraguayan squad and fans. The result extends Germany’s barren run since their 2014 triumph, having failed to make an impact in three successive tournaments.
Ranked 41st in the world before the competition, Paraguay will now meet either France or Sweden in the last 16.
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