Morocco produced a dramatic late comeback to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive, scoring deep into stoppage time to force extra time in a gripping Round of 32 encounter against the Netherlands.
The Dutch appeared to be on course for victory after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, finishing off a move created by C. Summerville to hand the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.
Despite falling behind, Morocco refused to surrender. The Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the contest, controlling 66 percent of the ball and repeatedly probing for an equaliser. Achraf Hakimi also threatened with a dangerous opportunity in the 52nd minute as Morocco continued to pile on the pressure.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time when Issa Diop rose to meet a delivery from C. Talbi, powering home the equaliser in the 90+1st minute to make it 1-1 and send the match into extra time.
Diop endured a mixed evening after being booked for a foul early in the second half, but his dramatic late goal ensured Morocco stayed alive in the tournament, setting up an enthralling extra-time battle with a place in the Round of 16 still on the line.
