Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi declared that his team's dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026 proves their historic semi-final run in 2022 was no fluke, as the Atlas Lions advanced to the Round of 16.
Hakimi praises team's mental strength after shootout win
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the match, Hakimi highlighted the mental and physical challenges his side overcame. 'Yes, as I said, it was a complicated and extremely tough match. We knew who we were up against, and we prepared well physically because we knew it would be a grueling game, but we also knew it would be even tougher mentally. We maintained our full focus until the end, showed the true spirit of this team, and we're incredibly proud of this victory,' Hakimi said.
Morocco's 2022 run no coincidence, says captain
When asked whether Morocco had firmly established itself among football's elite after their semi-final finish in Qatar 2022, Hakimi insisted the team's sustained performances answered critics. 'Yes, as I said, there were a lot of people who thought what happened in Qatar was just a stroke of luck. But we kept our focus, and hard work always pays off, and today we reaped the rewards of that effort. We need to stay focused and humble like we've done from the start, and we'll reach the end, God willing, God willing,' he told the host broadcaster.
Match recap: Gakpo goal, Diop header, Bounou heroics
Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the second half with an emotional goal, days after announcing the loss of his unborn child. However, Issa Diop's stoppage-time header forced extra time. With neither side able to find a winner, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as Morocco's hero by saving Crysencio Summerville's penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick.
Next up: Morocco face co-hosts Canada
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16. The victory underscores Morocco's rise in world football, as they aim to replicate or surpass their 2022 semi-final achievement.
