World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal reveals he predicted Morocco’s shock penalty win over Netherlands

Lamine Yamal has revealed he correctly predicted one of the standout shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he expected Morocco to eliminate the Netherlands long before it happened.

The Spain international, speaking during a media interview, admitted he had even placed a friendly wager with teammates backing the Atlas Lions to overcome the Dutch in their round of 16 clash.

Morocco eventually delivered exactly that outcome, edging the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Monterrey, sealing one of the tournament’s most dramatic results.

When asked to compare shocks at the competition, Yamal pointed to Paraguay’s win over Germany as the bigger surprise, explaining he had already anticipated Morocco’s resilience.

“In the Netherlands-Morocco game, I had bet with my friends that Morocco would win,” he said.

“I said the score would be 2-2 and that Morocco would then win on penalties, so I was very close with my prediction.”

Late drama and penalty heartbreak for the Dutch

The match itself unfolded with the kind of tension that defined Morocco’s run through the tournament. The Netherlands appeared to be in control when Cody Gakpo struck in the 72nd minute, edging them towards qualification.

But Morocco, under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, refused to fade. They pushed forward relentlessly in the closing stages and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop powered in a dramatic equaliser to force extra time.

Neither side could find a breakthrough across the additional 30 minutes, setting up a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.

In the decisive moments, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the difference-maker, saving Crysencio Summerville’s effort, while Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber also failed to convert for the Dutch.

Ismael Saibari ultimately sealed the victory, converting the decisive penalty to complete a 3-2 shootout triumph and send Morocco into the last 16, where they will face hosts Canada.

Yamal’s Moroccan connection adds context

Yamal’s admiration for Morocco has drawn attention due to his personal ties to the country. Born in Catalonia, he is the son of a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, making him eligible to represent Morocco at international level.

Instead, he committed his international future to Spain, progressing through the youth ranks before establishing himself as a senior international.

Despite that decision, his comments underline a continued emotional connection to Morocco and its footballing progress on the global stage.

Morocco’s performance at the tournament has reinforced that sentiment. They arrived in strong form after a group stage that included a draw with Brazil and victories over Scotland and Haiti, before producing their most defining statement yet against the Netherlands.

Their run, marked by discipline, belief and late drama, now continues into the knockout rounds with growing confidence and global attention.