FIFA World Cup 2026: Heartbreak for Netherlands! Morocco Knocks Them Out in Tense Penalty Shootout

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is done and dusted, and the real drama has begun with the knockout rounds. The Round of 32 is in full swing, and we've already seen some big upsets, like four-time champs Germany getting knocked out. It's clear that the so-called 'smaller' teams are no longer pushovers.

Morocco has pulled off a massive upset, knocking the Netherlands out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to enter the Round of 16. The match went right down to the wire, with Morocco winning the penalty shootout.

Right from the first whistle, it was a high-energy game. Both sides were going for the goal. Morocco's captain, Achraf Hakimi, was a constant threat with his overlapping runs down the wing. The Dutch, too, had their fair share of attacks. But despite all the action, the first half ended goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken well into the second half. In the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo scored a fantastic goal for the Netherlands. At that point, it really looked like the Dutch had sealed the deal. But the match took a dramatic turn in the first minute of injury time. Chemsdine Talbi whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, and Issa Diop connected with a brilliant header to make it 1-1.

With the scores level, the game went into extra time. Both halves of extra time were goalless, which meant it all came down to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Morocco held their nerve and won it 3-2, sparking wild celebrations.

More Heartbreak for Gakpo

This defeat is an even bigger blow for Dutch star Cody Gakpo. He has been playing through immense personal grief after his child passed away before birth. He chose to stay with the team, hoping to lead them to World Cup glory. After scoring his goal, Gakpo was overcome with emotion. He sat on the pitch with his head in his hands, tears streaming down his face as he thought of his child.

His teammates rushed to console him. After a few moments, he looked up to the sky and said a prayer. But his goal wasn't enough, and now his team is out of the tournament, adding to his heartbreak.