Azzedine Ounahi (L) of Morocco vies with Ryan Gravenberch of the Netherlands during their round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 29, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

MONTERREY, Mexico, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot kick as Morocco advanced to the World Cup round of 16 on Monday by beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead at Monterrey Stadium with a 72nd-minute strike before Issa Diop forced the match into extra time with a 91st-minute equalizer.

Morocco will face tournament co-host Canada in the next round on July 4 in Houston.

The Netherlands began with Micky van de Ven deployed at left wing-back in a five-man defense as both sides took time to settle. Morocco gradually assumed control and threatened repeatedly through Achraf Hakimi on the right.

Bart Verbruggen turned away Neil El Aynaoui's header from Hakimi's corner before denying the Paris Saint-Germain full-back from a tight angle. The Netherlands offered little going forward but almost snatched the lead on the stroke of halftime.

Van de Ven unleashed a powerful drive from distance that forced Yassine Bounou to tip the ball over the crossbar. Morocco again went close through Hakimi, who was denied by a crucial Van de Ven tackle after the defender broke clear on goal.

Ronald Koeman's late changes lifted the Dutch and they broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. Wout Weghorst combined with Crysencio Summerville, whose pass released Gakpo for a close-range finish.

Morocco continued to press in search of an equalizer and found it in stoppage time. Chemsdine Talbi's long delivery was perfectly weighted for Diop, who headed beyond Verbruggen in the 91st minute for his first international goal.

The Netherlands nearly restored its advantage moments later, but Noussair Mazraoui thwarted Summerville's final attack as the contest moved into extra time.

Morocco carried the greater threat throughout extra time but could not find a winner, despite Verbruggen's reflex save to deny Soufiane Rahimi. Bounou was rarely troubled at the other end as Koeman's side held on to force a shootout.

Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Summerville all missed their spot kicks for the European side while El Aynaoui and Hakimi were also off target for Morocco. Saibari sent Verbruggen the wrong way with his side's fifth attempt to seal victory.