The Netherlands have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, losing their Round of 32 tie to Morocco 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
They played on 29 June 2026 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
Who Did the Netherlands Face in the Round of 32?
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Netherlands’ Round of 32 opponent was Morocco, the Group C runners-up. Group F paired directly with Group C in the bracket, and as Group F winners the Dutch slotted in against the Group C runner-up. Here is how the Round of 32 format works.
The Netherlands topped Group F on seven points, drawing Japan 2-2, beating Sweden 5-1 and seeing off Tunisia. See the full Netherlands match schedule at the World Cup and the Group F teams and fixtures.
Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, who won the group, so the Dutch avoided Brazil and instead headed to Monterrey to meet Morocco, where their tournament ended.
| Match | Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties, Round of 32) |
|---|---|
| Date | 29 June 2026 |
| Venue | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
The Opponent: Morocco
Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, finished runner-up in Group C, level with Brazil but edged to top spot on goal difference. See Brazil’s match schedule at the World Cup and the Group C teams and fixtures.
Because Brazil won the group, the Netherlands could not meet them in the Round of 32: that side of the bracket went to the Group C winner instead. The Dutch took on the runner-up, Morocco, in Monterrey and fell 3-2 on penalties after the tie finished 1-1.
A World Cup Rematch, 32 Years On
There was history here. The Netherlands and Morocco had met once at a World Cup, in the USA 1994 group stage on 29 June 1994, when the Dutch won 2-1. The Round of 32 tie fell on 29 June 2026, exactly 32 years to the day, and was their first knockout meeting. This time Morocco came out on top, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Netherlands are now out, while Morocco advance to the Round of 16. Fans following the rest of the knockout rounds can browse hotels in Monterrey and check flights to Monterrey early, with knockout demand pushing prices up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Netherlands vs Morocco in the Round of 32?
Morocco knocked the Netherlands out, winning 3-2 on penalties after the tie finished 1-1. The match was played on 29 June 2026 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, and Morocco advanced to the Round of 16.
Are the Netherlands still in the World Cup?
No. The Netherlands were knocked out in the Round of 32, losing 3-2 on penalties to Morocco after a 1-1 draw. They will not feature in the Round of 16.
Have the Netherlands and Morocco met at a World Cup before?
Yes. At USA 1994 the Netherlands beat Morocco 2-1 on 29 June. The 2026 Round of 32 tie in Monterrey landed on 29 June, the exact same calendar date, 32 years on, and was their first knockout meeting. Morocco won it 3-2 on penalties.
Sources
- Netherlands Match at the 2026 World Cup, Wego
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C, Wego
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F, Wego
- Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, Wego
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