The Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in tragedy after Morocco staged a comeback to eliminate Ronald Koeman’s side on penalties after a 1-1 draw, but much of the post-match discussion centered not just on the result, but on the Dutch manager’s smart decisions.Former Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović launched one of the sport’s strongest criticisms while working as a pundit for FOX Sports, laying the blame for the defeat on Koeman. Thierry Henry, who joined him in the studio, also questioned the Netherlands’ game plan, saying that Morocco should have progressed because they remained loyal to their hometown throughout the tournament.Koeman, however, defended his approach, insisting that he would make the same decisions even after removing the pain.
A late collapse turned Dutch dominance into a heartbreaker
The Round of 32 looked to be going well against the Netherlands when Cody Gakpo, playing just days after losing his unborn child, gave the Oranje the lead in the 72nd minute.The Liverpool striker’s goal looked set to send the Netherlands into the round of 16, but Morocco refused to give up.
Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands (11) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
In the 91st minute, Issa Diop got up to equalize after a costly save, sending the game into extra time and turning the tide.Since then, Morocco has been managing the cases. The Netherlands spent a lot of time defending in depth, finishing the final stages of the tournament with just 35 percent as Koeman’s team retreated to the limited block.
Issa Diop of Morocco reacts after scoring his team’s first goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept the Dutch alive to deny Soufiane Rahimi in extra time, but the resistance ended in a shootout when Ismael Saibari calmly converted a shot to send Morocco into the Round of 16, where they will face Canada.For the Netherlands, it brought an abrupt end to a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Ibrahimović has given a poor judgment on Koeman
Speaking on FOX Sports after the match, Ibrahimović made it clear that he believed the defeat was self-inflicted.“This defeat is Koeman’s fault, because I did not recognize this Dutch team. He lost with an unknown Dutch knowledge. This angers me,” Ibrahimović said.The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United star said the Netherlands had abandoned the attacking mentality that defined their football.“I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch knowledge. Today, Koeman looks like an Italian coach playing not to lose, while the Netherlands always play to win. If you lose, at least lose with your knowledge and don’t change.“This was not the Netherlands I was used to seeing. You could also tell by the way they played that they were not comfortable. There was no possession, the attacking ball was gone. It just looked awful, and it was all Koeman’s fault.“I thought it was nothing, really nothing.”Ibrahimović promised when he joined FOX Sports’ World Cup earlier this year that he would “wake up” the audience with honest analysis, and his analysis of the Netherlands’ elimination became one of the strongest post-match reactions.
Henry is also suspicious of the security guard
Thierry Henry shared a lot of praise for Ibrahimović, although his criticism focused on Koeman’s technical implementation.Before Ibrahimović spoke, Henry praised Morocco for their commitment to their game throughout the night.“The team that tried to win won,” Henry said. They did not change their appearance.He contrasted it with the Netherlands, arguing that they seemed more concerned with protecting their welfare than expanding it.“Morocco tried to win the game,” Henry said. “The Netherlands just tried not to lose.”Henry was shocked by Koeman’s decision to field five players at the back in such an important match.“You remove a midfielder to bring in a defender. By doing so, you are saying that you are afraid of Morocco. This is allowed, of course. If you win, you are right. If you lose, you are wrong.”“I was really surprised, because the Netherlands don’t usually play like that. But Koeman had a different take on this. “The comments echo Ibrahimović’s central contention that the Dutch have moved away from the team that has long characterized their team.
Koeman stands by his decisions despite criticism
Koeman rejected the idea that his tactics were the reason for the defeat and insisted that a defensive strategy was necessary against one of the strongest teams in the competition.“With this defensive strategy, we gave up a lot less than we did in the (group) game,” Koeman said.“That was good, and we weren’t disappointing. You can think of the ways you like, but we gave very little against a much stronger team than Sweden and Tunisia. And if I had to do it again, I would do it again.”The Dutch manager also said that football often judges coaches on results rather than performance.“I also know that if Morocco had not equaled this last goal, there would have been all kinds of compliments for me as the Dutch coach, but now, maybe, I will be criticized for choosing five defenders, but again, I believe it was important.”In the end, Morocco’s impressive comeback and penalty shootout victory allowed the debate over Koeman’s tactical decisions to overshadow the Netherlands’ elimination. While Ibrahimović and Henry questioned whether the Oranje had lost their football identity, Koeman confirmed that his plan was correct, even if it ended with another painful exit from the World Cup.