Netherlands Exit 2026 World Cup; Unbeaten Streak Stays

The Netherlands' impressive run in the FIFA World Cup came to an end as they lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout on June 29, 2026, at Monterrey Stadium. This marked the first time since 2006 and just the second occurrence in World Cup history that the Netherlands did not progress to the quarterfinals. Previously, they reached the finals in 2010, secured third place in 2014, and made it to the quarterfinals in 2022. Notably, they did not qualify for the 2018 edition of the tournament.

The Netherlands' streak of consecutive World Cup matches with multiple goals also came to an end at six, the longest in their history. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining: despite the defeat against Morocco, the Netherlands maintained an unbeaten streak, now standing at 16 consecutive World Cup matches (10 wins and 6 draws, with no losses). This streak began after their last outright loss in the 2010 final. Their bronze triumph in 2014 and exits in 2022 and 2026 via penalty shootouts mean those matches were counted as draws, not losses.

Interestingly, the Netherlands exited the tournament without ever trailing in a match, though they did not manage to keep a clean sheet. They won two out of three group stage matches and never fell behind in the two games that ended in draws. While the Netherlands continues to chase its first World Cup title, it remains a prominent performer in the tournament's history.