Atlas Lions of Morocco celebrate after edging Netherlands 3-2 in penalties to advance to the Fifa World Cup last 16 on June 30, 2026. /FIFA
Morocco became the first African country to progress to the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in their knockout match played early Tuesday.
The two sides settled for a 1-1 draw after extra time, forcing the contest into the lottery of penalties to determine who advanced.
Morocco looked destined for elimination until the dying moments of normal time after Cody Gakpo's 72nd-minute strike put the Netherlands ahead.
However, Issa Diop rescued the Atlas Lions with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.
The Netherlands then missed three penalties in the ensuing nervy shootout, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as Morocco's hero.
He put his side in contention by brilliantly saving the Dutch side's fifth penalty with one hand after Crysencio Summerville struck his effort straight at him.
Ismael Saibari then displayed remarkable composure to convert Morocco's decisive penalty, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory and sparking wild celebrations among teammates and supporters.
It was a heartbreaking night for Gakpo, who had chosen to play despite the announcement that he and his partner had tragically lost their unborn son.
The Dutch forward was visibly emotional as he walked back to the centre circle after the shootout, pointing to the sky while teammate Denzel Dumfries comforted him.
Morocco joined co-hosts Canada, Brazil and Paraguay as the first teams to survive the do-or-die knockout stage of the tri-nation tournament being staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In an earlier encounter, Gabriel Martinelli's last-gasp goal spared five-time champions Brazil from a shock exit as they edged a resilient Japan 2-1 in Houston.
Kaishu Sano's first-half strike had given the Asian giants a deserved lead before Casemiro headed home in the 56th minute to level matters.
Both teams produced moments of individual brilliance and cohesive team play as they searched relentlessly for a winner.
An ageing Brazilian side, with an average age of 29, struggled to match Japan's energy and mobility for long spells.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted after the match that his side's experience proved crucial in helping them remain composed before eventually finding the winning goal.
Vinícius Júnior, one of world football's quickest, trickiest and most dangerous attackers, came close on several occasions but failed to convert his brilliance into goals for Brazil.
He struck the woodwork at one point after beating goalkeeper Suzuki and placing the ball beyond him on the far-right corner.
Canada were the first nation to book their place in the round of 16 after Stephen Eustáquio's dramatic stoppage-time winner secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday.
Meanwhile, four-time champions Germany were eliminated after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in another gripping knockout clash on Monday. The teams had drawn 1-1 after extra time.
Attention now turns to Tuesday's late fixtures, with Ivory Coast hoping to become the second African nation to reach the round of 16 when they face Norway in Arlington at 8pm.
France will then take on Sweden in East Rutherford from midnight.
