Netherlands suffer third straight World Cup penalty exit

The Netherlands endured another painful World Cup elimination after losing a penalty shootout for the third consecutive tournament, this time falling to Morocco after a 1-1 draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

The latest setback extended a frustrating pattern for the Dutch national team. Their run of penalty shootout defeats began in the 2014 World Cup semifinals, when Argentina advanced after a goalless draw and a 4-2 victory on penalties. The same opponent ended the Netherlands’ campaign again at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, winning another shootout 4-2 following a dramatic 2-2 quarterfinal draw.

History repeated itself in 2026 as Morocco eliminated the Oranje 3-2 on penalties after both teams remained level following 120 minutes of play. The result made the Netherlands the first nation to be knocked out through penalty shootouts in three consecutive World Cups.

Morocco controlled much of the match from the opening whistle. The Atlas Lions enjoyed more possession and created the clearer scoring opportunities but failed to convert their chances. The Netherlands capitalized on Moroccan wastefulness in front of goal and took the lead, putting Morocco on the brink of elimination.

Morocco kept pressing and eventually found a breakthrough. Issa Diop scored a late equalizer to force extra time and revive Moroccan hopes.

The North African side continued to dominate during the additional 30 minutes, while the Dutch struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful attacks. Neither team managed to find a winner, sending the contest to penalties.

Morocco held its nerve in the shootout and secured a 3-2 victory to advance. The match was widely regarded as one of the most competitive encounters of the tournament, featuring two teams many observers believed were capable of progressing much further.

The dramatic contest reinforced comments made by Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui, who had described the pairing as unfortunate so early in the competition. In the end, Morocco moved on, while the Netherlands were left to reflect on another World Cup campaign ended from the penalty spot.