The Netherlands’ campaign at the 2026 World Cup came to a heartbreaking end when Morocco staged a dramatic comeback from a 1-1 draw to eliminate Ronald Koeman’s side on penalties, but much of the post-match discussion was not about the result itself but the Dutch manager’s tactical decisions.Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched one of the strongest criticisms of this World Cup during his time as a Fox Sports pundit, placing the blame for the defeat squarely on Koeman. Thierry Henry, who joined him in the studio, also questioned the Netherlands’ conservative game plan, arguing Morocco should have progressed as they remained true to their identity throughout the tournament.However, Koeman defended his approach, insisting he would make the exact same decision again despite the shock elimination.
Late collapse turns Dutch control into heartbreaking penalty
The round of 32 tie seemed to be going in the Netherlands’ favour, with Cody Gakpo, who came on just days after the heartbreaking death of his unborn son, to put the Oranje ahead in the 72nd minute.The Liverpool forward’s goal looked set to send the Netherlands into the last 16, but Morocco refused to surrender.
Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo (11) celebrates a goal during the World Cup round of 32 football match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
In stoppage time, in the 91st minute, Issa Diop scored a header to equalize the score after a defensive error, dragging the game into overtime and completely turning the situation around.Since then, Morocco has increasingly taken control of the proceedings. The Netherlands spent a long time defending deeply, and in the second half of the game, Koeman’s team retreated to a compact low position with only 35% ball possession.
Morocco’s Issa Diop reacts after scoring his team’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 football match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept the Netherlands alive with a superb save from Sufiana Rahimi in extra time, but the resistance eventually ended in penalties, with Ismael Sabari coolly taking the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco into the last 16, where they will face Canada.For the Netherlands, it brought a disappointing World Cup campaign to an abrupt end.
Ibrahimovic delivers harsh verdict on Koeman
After the game, Ibrahimovic made it clear in an interview with Fox Sports that he believed the defeat was entirely his own fault.“This defeat is Koeman’s fault because I don’t know this Dutch team. He lost as someone who is not Dutch. It makes me angry,” Ibrahimovic said.The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United forward believes the Netherlands have abandoned the attacking philosophy that has traditionally defined their football.“I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not who the Dutch are. Today, Koeman looks like an Italian coach who plays not to lose, while the Dutch always play to win. If you lose, at least lose as you are and don’t change it.”“This is not the Netherlands I’m used to seeing. You can also tell by the way they play that they don’t feel comfortable. Possession is gone, attacking football is gone. It looked bad and it was all Koeman’s fault.“I thought it was absolutely nothing, it really was nothing.”Ibrahimovic promised to “wake up” viewers with honest analysis when he joined Fox Sports’ World Cup coverage earlier this year, and his assessment of the Netherlands’ elimination became one of the strongest post-match reactions of the tournament.
Henry also questions defensive transition
Thierry Henry shares Ibrahimovic’s concerns, although his criticism focuses more specifically on Koeman’s tactical set-up.Before Ibrahimovic spoke, Henry praised Morocco for sticking to their style of play throughout the evening.“A team trying to win” Henry said. “They don’t change their shape. They focus on their essence and identity.”He contrasted this with the Netherlands, who seemed more concerned with protecting their advantage than extending it.“Morocco tries to win the game,” Henry said. “The Netherlands is just trying not to lose it.”Henry was particularly surprised by Koeman’s decision to deploy a back five in such an important knockout match.“You take out a midfielder and put in a defender. By doing that, you’re basically saying you’re afraid of Morocco. Of course, that’s allowed. If you win, you’re right. If you lose, you’re wrong.”“I was really surprised because Holland don’t usually play like this. But Koeman obviously has a different view on this. “The comments echoed Ibrahimovic’s core argument that the Netherlands have strayed away from the attacking characteristics that have long characterized the national team.
Koeman stands by his decision despite criticism
Koeman dismissed suggestions that his tactics were responsible for the defeat and insisted a defensive strategy was necessary against one of the strongest teams in the tournament.“With this defensive approach, we conceded far fewer goals than we did in the (group) games.” Koeman said.“That’s a positive, but we were also less aggressive. You can come up with any tactics you like, but we gave up a lot against a much stronger team than Sweden and Tunisia. If I had to do it again, I would do it again.”The Dutch manager also believes coaches are often judged purely on results rather than performance in football.“I also know that if Morocco had not equalized at the last minute, as a Dutch coach I would have received all kinds of praise, but now I might be blamed for the five defenders I chose, but again I believe it was necessary.”Ultimately, Morocco’s dramatic comeback and penalty shootout victory ensured that the arguments surrounding Koeman’s tactical decisions overshadowed the Netherlands’ elimination. While Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry questioned whether the Oranje had abandoned their footballing identity, Koeman remained convinced his plan was the right one, even if it ended in another painful World Cup exit.
