Ismael Saibari is already one of Morocco’s key players in this World Cup. A goalscorer in all three group matches, the attacking midfielder can write a new chapter in Moroccan history against the Netherlands.
Unbeaten after the group stage, Morocco faces the Netherlands in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The Atlas Lions aim for another qualification, in a highly anticipated clash.
Morocco is not the favorite against the Netherlands, but it is not condemned either. According to Opta’s projections, the Atlas Lions have a real chance of knocking out the Oranje in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
The Netherlands dominated Tunisia (3-1), but their last match also revealed fragile areas. Before the Round of 16 against Morocco, the Atlas Lions know where they can strike: in the spaces left by the fullbacks and in quick transitions.
Achraf Hakimi revealed the identity of the real boss of the Moroccan dressing room. Far from the usual stars, it is veteran goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi who stands out as the undisputed guide of the national team at this 2026 World Cup.
Scorer against Haiti, Soufiane Rahimi did not hide his emotion. After the match, Achraf Hakimi reflected on this powerful moment, recalling the Moroccan player’s journey and the place he holds within the Atlas Lions squad.
Before the shock match against Morocco, the Dutch press is not swept up in euphoria. The Oranje finished first in their group, but local media see this match primarily as a revealing test of their own vulnerabilities.
Decisive goalscorer against Haiti (4-2 ) at the 2026 World Cup, Gessime Yassine is establishing himself as the new gem of his national team. The winger is experiencing spectacular progression, rising from lower divisions to the pinnacle of world football.
The Atlas Lions face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. To break the hegemony of European and South American nations, the squad relies heavily on its dual-national talents trained in the finest academies of the Old Continent.
The Netherlands arrive to face Morocco with an impressive attack, but also a defense far from impenetrable. The Atlas Lions can rely on one simple fact: the Oranje concede in every match .
For the round of 16 between the Netherlands and Morocco, the Mexican state of Nuevo León declares a public holiday on Monday. An exceptional measure in the face of the massive influx of supporters expected in Monterrey during this World Cup.
Eligible thanks to his mother’s origins, Feyenoord striker Shaqueel Van Persie finds himself at the center of a sporting battle. The Moroccan recruitment team wants to attract him to strengthen their attacking sector, continuing their strategy focused on dual nationals.