Morocco achieved a historic victory against the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Key players like Achraf Hakimi, Neil El Aynaoui, and Ismael Saibari were instrumental in this sensational upset, with Saibari scoring the decisive penalty.
Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.
Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to advance in the World Cup after a drama-filled 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.
Morocco outmuscled Scotland for a 1-0 win thanks to the tournament's fastest goal on Friday, taking control of Group C in the World Cup and moving into top spot with one match left to play.
Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic heavily criticised Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman following their penalty shootout loss to Morocco, stating that the team lost its traditional identity under his leadership, which made him "angry". Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty victory.
After France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, Kylian Mbappe was seen consoling his close friend Achraf Hakimi. This moment of mutual respect between the former Paris Saint-Germain teammates quickly went viral, highlighting that fierce rivals can still share genuine friendship off the pitch, despite Mbappe's insistence on no emotions during the game.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed immense pride after his team defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup last 16.
The meeting between Morocco and Netherlands in the last 32 might have come too early at the World Cup, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman suggested on the eve of Monday's clash between the two contenders in Monterrey.
France and Morocco were goalless at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for France, whose early dominance did not translate into goals. Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Mbappe from the spot.
Morocco confirmed their progress to the World Cup last 32 but twice had to come from behind to get the better of plucky Haiti with a 4-2 win in an action-packed game on Wednesday and fell short of topping Brazil in the Group C standings.
Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring two goals, to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. The victory ended Canada's tournament run.
Morocco were declared Africa Cup of Nations champions and Senegal were stripped of the title after an appeal over the result of the final was upheld by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Egypt and South Africa also took significant steps towards following the Atlas Lions, moving closer to featuring in the marquee event, which will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Yildiz gave Juve the lead after 21 minutes with a stunning curling shot from just inside the box, leaving goalkeeper Joel Drommel helpless as the ball went in off the inside of the post.
Senegal stormed off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the Africa Cup of Nations.
Captain Mohamed Salah scored for Egypt as they eased to a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, but 2022 semi-finalists Morocco needed a late winner from Bilal El Khannouss to defeat unfancied Niger.
A summary of Wednesday's action in the UEFA Champions League Knock-out phase play-offs.
Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic played out a lifeless 0-0 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel producing the match's memorable moment with a late save.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Club Brugge 3-1 and secure their place in the Champions League playoffs
A round-up of the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg matches played on Tuesday.
Images from UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday.
