Guadalupe, June 30 -- African giants Morocco kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 dream alive with a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after the sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time in a gripping Round of 32 encounter on Monday (local time).

After a tightly contested first half with few clear-cut chances, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute. Crysencio Summerville found Cody Gakpo with a well-weighted pass, and Gakpo calmly finished to hand the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.

The goal carried deep personal significance for Gakpo. The Dutch forward was overcome with emotion after scoring, breaking down in tears as teammates and members of the Netherlands bench rushed onto the field to embrace him. Gakp...