Morocco equalised in the 91st minute.

In a tightly contested match at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalajara, Mexico, Netherlands and Morocco faced off in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This encounter marked one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, as both teams ranked among the top ten on the FIFA world rankings—Morocco currently sixth and the Netherlands seventh. Neither team had suffered a defeat in their group stage campaigns, adding to the significance of this clash.

The game began with both sides showing strong defensive discipline and tactical awareness. Early in the first half, there were several chances created but neither side managed to break through the other's defense. The first notable moment came in the 10th minute when Moroccan forward Achraf Hakimi received a pass behind the Dutch defense but his cross failed to find a teammate. In the 16th minute, Dutch midfielder Steven Bergwijn broke free but was unable to connect with a pass to his teammate. By the 33rd minute, the referee checked for potential handball by Morocco’s Bouaddi using VAR, but no penalty was awarded. The first half ended without a goal, though both teams had opportunities that were either saved or narrowly missed.

As the second half commenced, the intensity increased. In the 45th minute, Morocco had a significant chance when Hakimi delivered a cross into the box, but the ball slipped past the defender and away from the striker. Shortly after, in the 49th minute, Bouaddi attempted a long-range shot which went wide of the goal. The Netherlands responded with a chance in the 52nd minute when Hakimi struck the post, nearly scoring for Morocco. However, the Dutch goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 55th minute, blocking a promising opportunity for Hakimi.

By the 61st minute, the game saw a shift in momentum as Morocco continued to press forward. Their efforts paid off in the 72nd minute when Dutch player Memphis Depay scored the opening goal, assisted by a clever move involving Wout Weghorst. The goal was emotionally significant for Depay, who had recently experienced the tragic loss of his unborn child. His emotional celebration highlighted the personal challenges he faced during the tournament.

Despite being down, Morocco fought back with determination. They equalized in the 91st minute through a well-timed header by Sofyan Amrabat, capitalizing on a corner kick from the left flank. This goal brought the scoreline level and forced extra time. The match concluded with both teams showing resilience and skill throughout the contest, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the World Cup journey.