The Netherlands secured top spot in Group D with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco in their final group stage match at the 2026 World Cup. Goals from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries sealed the win for the Dutch, who finished with seven points from three games.
First Half Dominance
The Netherlands controlled the first half, with Depay opening the scoring in the 23rd minute after a well-worked corner routine. The ball found its way to Depay at the edge of the box, and his low drive beat the Moroccan goalkeeper. The Dutch continued to press, creating several chances but failing to extend their lead before halftime.
Morocco's Resilience
Morocco came out stronger in the second half, pushing for an equalizer. However, the Netherlands defense held firm, with Virgil van Dijk marshalling the backline effectively. The Moroccans had a golden opportunity in the 65th minute when Hakim Ziyech's free kick forced a diving save from Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Dumfries Seals the Win
The Netherlands doubled their lead in the 78th minute through Dumfries, who headed home from a cross by Daley Blind. The goal effectively ended Morocco's hopes of a comeback. The Dutch controlled the remainder of the match to secure the victory.
Group Standings
With the win, the Netherlands finished top of Group D with seven points, while Morocco ended with four points in second place. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage, with the Netherlands set to face a third-placed team from Group E or F. According to statistics, the Netherlands have now won their last four World Cup group stage matches, a streak dating back to 2014.
Post-Match Reaction
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman praised his team's performance, saying, "We executed our game plan perfectly. The early goal gave us confidence, and we managed the game well." Morocco coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the Dutch superiority, stating, "They were the better team today. We had our chances but couldn't take them. We will learn from this and move forward."
