Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has made it clear that his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign is far from over. Following a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw in extra time, Hakimi took to social media to express his determination.
"We're not done yet," Hakimi wrote on X, sharing a message of defiance as Morocco advanced to the knockout stage for the second consecutive World Cup.
Morocco's dramatic penalty shootout win
Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 after a tense encounter in Guadalupe, Mexico. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Cody Gakpo putting the Netherlands ahead in the second half with an emotional goal, days after announcing the loss of his unborn child. Issa Diop's stoppage-time header forced extra time, and neither side could find a winner.
In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero by saving Crysencio Summerville's spot-kick. Ismael Saibari then converted the decisive penalty to seal a 3-2 victory for Morocco.
Issa Diop credits team performance
Morocco's Player of the Match, Issa Diop, credited a complete team performance after the win. Speaking to the host broadcaster in a video shared by DAZN Football on X, Diop praised the collective effort of his teammates.
"Yeah. It's just a team performance today. It was the whole team performing very well. We executed the plan very well. And in the end, we won it. And I'm just exhausted. I just want to recover, and that's it," Diop said.
Next up: co-hosts Canada in Round of 16
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16. The Atlas Lions, who reached the semifinals in 2022, are looking to make another deep run in the tournament. Hakimi's message suggests the team remains hungry for more success.
The victory over the Netherlands marked Morocco's first penalty shootout win in World Cup history, adding to their growing reputation as a resilient side under pressure.
