Morocco is coming to Houston.
Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout Monday in Monterrey, Mexico, to book its spot in Saturday’s noon Fourth of July knockout stage match at Reliant Stadium against Canada.
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari scored the game-winning penalty kick as the Atlas Lions and the Oranje finished 120 minutes of action tied 1-1.
Issa Diop scored a stunning game-tying goal early in second half stoppage time to send the game to extra time. Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo had originally scored the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute to break the stalemate.
Morocco became the first African nation to make the World Cup semifinals in 2022. Now the Atlas Lions’ dream of going that far again will go through Houston.
The matchup will be the last of Houston’s seven World Cup games this June and July. The previous six matches have all featured at least one memorable moment, whether inside the stadium or outside it like the Oranje Fanwalk.
Canada enters Saturday’s matchup coming off a historic victory over South Africa. The Canadians emerged with their first knockout stage win after a stoppage time goal from Stephen Eustáquio.
Canada didn’t only win Sunday’s match over Bafana Bafana. The team also welcomed back its best player, Alphonso Davies, for the first time in more than a year.
Davies has spent much of the past year-plus on the sidelines due to injuries. His selection for the World Cup squad was even in question due to injury.
He didn’t play in the group stage but was able to come on for the last 15-plus minutes of the match.
This is Canada’s third FIFA World Cup, and first time participating as a co-host.