Morocco held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to eliminate the Netherlands and book a World Cup last-16 clash with co-hosts Canada, after a gripping 1-1 draw in Monterrey.

The Dutch, returning to the tournament after a long absence, thought they had done enough when Cody Gakpo struck in the 72nd minute. Finishing off a sweeping break led by Crysencio Summerville, Gakpo drilled low into the corner, then sank to his knees in tears, the emotion sharpened by his recent personal tragedy off the pitch.

For a spell, the goal seemed to drain the air from Morocco’s travelling support. Ronald Koeman’s side dropped into a compact shape, content to protect their lead and trust in the counter-attack that had just undone Morocco.

But the African side refused to yield. Pouring forward in stoppage time, they forced the Dutch deeper and deeper until, in the first added minute, a hopeful cross turned into a moment of history. Issa Diop surged through a crowded box and powered a header into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations and sending the tie into extra time.

Morocco carried that momentum into the additional 30 minutes and carved out the game’s clearest chance. Soufiane Rahimi burst clear and faced Bart Verbruggen one-on-one, only for the Dutch goalkeeper to produce a stunning reflex stop from point-blank range, a save already being hailed as one of the tournament’s finest.

Yet Verbruggen’s heroics could not rescue the Netherlands in the shoot-out. With tension thick inside the stadium, both sides faltered from the spot, but Yassine Bounou’s save from Summerville tilted the balance. Morocco converted three of their five attempts, and when Ismael Saibari stepped up and buried the decisive kick, the Moroccan bench emptied onto the pitch.

The defeat leaves Koeman facing intense scrutiny. After a free-scoring group stage, his decision to switch to a back five against Morocco invited pressure and ceded control, allowing the North Africans to dictate long stretches of the contest.

For Morocco, the victory is another landmark in a remarkable recent rise. Defender Noussair Mazraoui hailed the result as a major statement, calling the Netherlands “one of the best opponents you can face in the world” and framing the win as powerful recognition of Morocco’s growing stature on the global stage.