Rabat – American media commended Morocco’s performance after the Atlas Lions defeated the Netherlands in the Round of 32 to reach the 2026 FIFA Round of 16. Many outlets lauded the team’s resilience, tactical discipline, and the successful coaching of Mohamed Ouahbi.
FOX Sports USA described Morocco’s display as one of “exceptional resilience.” The network said midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi controlled the tempo of the match and helped Morocco play on its own terms.
The report also hailed Morocco’s calm reaction after falling behind in the 72nd minute. Instead of panicking, the Atlas Lions kept pushing until Issa Diop scored a dramatic equalizer with a header in the 91st minute.
FOX Sports added that Morocco deserved to qualify because it was the better team for most of the match.
Meanwhile, CBS Sports Golazo praised goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout. The analysts said his confidence and crucial save helped Morocco secure a 3-2 shootout victory.
The Athletic focused on the atmosphere inside Monterrey’s stadium. The newspaper noted that many Mexican fans supported Morocco throughout the match. It also recalled how supporters chanted “It was not a penalty,” referring to the controversial penalty that eliminated Mexico against the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup.
Other American media outlets, including ESPN and NBC Bay Area, also applauded Morocco’s historic performance. ESPN called it one of the most intense Round of 16 matches between two of the world’s top-ranked teams, while NBC Bay Area described the penalty shootout as one of the tournament’s most exciting moments.
Morocco will next face Canada in the Round of 16 next Saturday at Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium) in Houston, Texas, USA.