Morocco will face the Netherlands in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup after the Dutch beat Tunisia 3-1 to finish top of Group F. The Atlas Lions finished second in Group C with seven points, level with Brazil but behind them on goal difference. The Netherlands also ended on seven points after their win over Tunisia, setting up a last-16 game with Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.
Japan finished second in Group F with five points after drawing 1-1 with Sweden. They will now play Brazil in the last 16, while Sweden finished third with four points.
The Dutch made a fast start against Tunisia in Kansas City. Tunisia’s Elias Skhiri scored an own goal after just three minutes before Brian Brobbey made it 2-0 four minutes later.
Hazem Mastouri pulled one back for Tunisia in the 54th minute, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Netherlands’ two-goal lead with their third eight minutes later.
After the match, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said his team had little trouble getting the win. “We really had a comfortable win over Tunisia. We got the three points without receiving any yellow cards or suffering any injuries or suspensions.”
He added: “We played well, scored three goals and finished top of the group.”
Looking ahead to the game against Morocco, Koeman said: “We know they are a strong team with outstanding players, but we are also a tough team. We are ready for the match and looking forward to it. Our goal is to continue our journey in the World Cup.”
The Netherlands are still chasing their first World Cup title, while Morocco will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the second World Cup in a row after their historic run in Qatar four years ago.
