Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties, face Canada Saturday

Morocco up next, Saturday in the last 16

Your next opponent is set. Morocco beat the Netherlands 1–1 on penalties late Monday night to book a round of 16 date with Canada (10) (13). The match is Saturday evening, July 4 (9) (11) (12).

The shootout was chaotic. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save after the Netherlands missed three penalties, one from Crysencio Summerville and another from Wout Weghorst (2) (10). Ismael Saibari and Achraf Hakimi both converted for Morocco (10) (13). Cody Gakpo had scored an emotional equaliser for the Dutch during regulation but it was not enough (2) (9).

What Morocco bring to the table

The Atlas Lions topped Group C and have now eliminated a European heavyweight to reach this stage (2) (4). This is the same Morocco side that stunned the world in 2022, semifinalists then, and they carry that pedigree into the knockout rounds. Yassine Bounou remains their anchor in goal. Achraf Hakimi drives them from right back. Ismael Saibari is their creative spark (2) (10).

The winner of this match faces either Paraguay or a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the quarterfinals (1).

Marsch keeps it sharp

Jesse Marsch was asked to offer advice to the U.S. team after their tournament exit. His answer: "I don't care." The quote is making the rounds and it captures exactly where his head is, on Canada, on Saturday, on a quarterfinal place that no one outside the camp expected.

Fan-reaktioner

The "I don't care" line lit up r/soccer. Fans are reading it as a coach completely locked in on his own squad, not as disrespect. One thread framed it as Marsch brushing off the old narrative entirely. The sentiment in the comments: this is a man who wants to beat Morocco and nothing else matters right now.

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