Issa Diop, the Morocco national team defender, has been named the best player of the match after his side’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, which took place in Monterrey, Mexico, saw Morocco defeat the Netherlands 1-1 (3-2 on penalties) on Monday night local time. Diop scored a crucial equaliser in second-half stoppage time, rescuing Morocco from elimination and forcing the match into extra time and penalties.
The 29-year-old centre-back, who has been playing for English Premier League club Fulham since 2022, was making just his seventh appearance for the Moroccan national team. His goal marked his first-ever strike for his country.
Morocco will now face Canada in the quarter-finals on July 4 in Houston.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and is being hosted across three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on July 19.
-
‘Hopefully I don’t leave again’ – Enzo Maresca aims to build on Pep Guardiola’s legacy as he begins third spell with Manchester City
-
Aston Villa set £130 million British record valuation for Arsenal and Chelsea target Morgan Rogers
-
Aston Martin Vantage Breaks Down in Floodwaters, Internet Nicknames Driver ‘James Pond’
-
‘Mexican Batman’ Vigilante Captures Alleged Motorcycle Thieves and Hands Them Over to Police
-
Can Driving a Manual Gearbox Keep Your Mind Sharp? Japanese Study Suggests It Can
