Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has criticised Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman following the Dutch team's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, blaming the manager for what he described as the side's loss of identity. The Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco after losing 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash. Ibrahimovic said the defeat was particularly disappointing because the Dutch failed to play with the style traditionally associated with their national team.

Speaking after the match, Ibrahimovic said he did not recognise the Netherlands under Koeman's leadership. He argued that losing while abandoning the team's footballing identity was more disappointing than the result itself. The former striker said a national team should remain true to its style of play regardless of the outcome, adding that the Dutch performance left him frustrated. His comments have added to the debate surrounding the Netherlands' early exit from the tournament.

The knockout encounter remained tightly contested for much of the match, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities in the opening stages. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead, putting the Dutch in a strong position to advance. As the clock ticked down, it appeared Koeman's side had done enough to secure qualification for the Round of 16.

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Morocco, however, produced a dramatic late comeback deep into stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Chemsdine Talbi delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Issa Diop rose above the defence to head home the equaliser and send the match into extra time. Despite several attempts from both teams during the additional 30 minutes, neither side could find a winning goal, forcing the contest to be decided through a penalty shootout.

The shootout proved to be another display of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's penalty-saving abilities. Both teams missed two penalties before Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville with a crucial save. Morocco then sealed victory when Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive spot kick, securing a 3-2 win in the shootout and sending the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16 amid jubilant celebrations.

The defeat marked another disappointing World Cup campaign for the Netherlands, while Morocco continued its impressive run with another memorable knockout victory. Ibrahimovic's criticism of Koeman is likely to intensify discussions over the Dutch team's tactical approach and future direction following the tournament. Morocco will now look to build on its confidence as it prepares for the next stage of the FIFA World Cup, while the Netherlands will reflect on an opportunity that slipped away in dramatic fashion.

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