Here's why Morocco has a different abbreviation than what many would have expected.

Saturday, 4 July 2026Kick-off: 18:00 BSTVenue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USAStage: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16TV/Streaming (UK): BBC iPlayer /

Four matches into the knockout round and the 2026 FIFA World Cup has rewarded fans with all the nerve-chewing drama they've come to expect from the win-or-go-home stage of the tournament. Rather than diluting the talent pool,

ATLANTA ― Africa had 10 teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Congo coach Sébastien Desabre says there should actually be more.

Fans have called the World Cup penalty shoot-out between the Netherlands and Morocco the 'worst shootout ever' after Morocco caused an upset.

Legal disputes and acrimony have replaced the accolades and euphoria for Morocco's national soccer team ahead of this year's World Cup. Morocco became embroiled in controversy after hosting the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations — three years after the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.

The Netherlands and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw through regular time and into extra time, with both teams playing careful defense in anticipation of penalty kicks. Morocco won on the final kick. As The Associated Press reported, it was an emotional match for Dutch star Cody Gakpo, who scored the match’s first goal in an emotional moment.

HOLLAND were dumped out of the World Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout by Morocco after a freak gaffe by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen. The giant goalie fluffed his lines trying to keep out