World Cup 2026: Issa Diop urges calm after Morocco’s dramatic triumph over Netherlands

Morocco defender Issa Diop has called on the Atlas Lions to remain focused and avoid getting carried away after their dramatic penalty-shootout victory over the Netherlands secured a place in the World Cup Round of 16 against Canada.

The Fulham centre-back emerged as Morocco’s hero in Monterrey, rising to head home a stoppage-time equaliser in the 91st minute and force extra time after Cody Gakpo had given the Dutch the lead. Morocco eventually prevailed 3-2 on penalties, with Yassine Bounou producing another decisive save before Ismael Saibari converted the winning kick.

Reflecting on the match, Diop admitted that the contest was finely balanced throughout.

“It was a tight match, and each team was watching the other. In the end, the result smiled on us,” he said.

The defender also expressed surprise at finding himself in a goalscoring position so late in the game.

“I moved forward in the final moments, and I don’t even know what I was doing there. I tried to exploit the space and scored the goal. Shamseddine Talbi has great passing quality.”

Despite the celebrations, Diop stressed that Morocco must stay grounded as they prepare for an even tougher challenge against co-hosts Canada.

“This is just the final price. If we are a great team, we should go far in this tournament; but we must not over-celebrate, we still have a long way to go.”

He also reaffirmed the team’s commitment to the playing identity that has brought them success on the international stage.

“We have players with high technical skills, and we are confident in our style of play. We will not change our approach because it has given us success.”

Morocco created the better opportunities throughout the encounter, finishing with a higher expected-goals tally than the Netherlands and dominating large periods of the second half before Diop’s late intervention kept their World Cup dream alive. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi later said the performance showed that the Atlas Lions have earned worldwide respect and can compete with any nation remaining in the tournament.

“They know that behind them there are millions and millions of people. We played when it was two in the morning in Morocco and we’re certain that most people stayed awake. That gives you the energy not to ​give up, to keep going and to believe in yourself.”

“We completely dominated a Netherlands team,” he said.

“We had 70% possession, more shots and more expected ‌goals. ⁠We controlled the match,” he added.