«I was certain» — The night Ouahbi's dream about Issa Diop came true
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi revealed he had dreamed before the Netherlands match that Issa Diop would score an important header — a dream that came true in stoppage time to send the Atlas Lions into the round of 16.
Some stories in football resist logical explanation. Before facing the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi had a dream: that Issa Diop would score an important header for Morocco. In stoppage time, that dream became reality.
The goal that changed everything
With the Netherlands leading 1-0 and Morocco on the brink of elimination, a curling cross from Chemsdine Talbi hung in the air in stoppage time. Issa Diop found space between Virgil van Dijk and Teun Koopmeiners and directed a precise header into the corner to level at 1-1. The Atlas Lions had been saved at the death.
A first international goal at the biggest moment
For Issa Diop, this was no ordinary goal — it was his very first in international football. To score it in a World Cup knockout match, in the dying seconds of normal time, to rescue his country from elimination: these are the moments that define careers.
Ouahbi shares his dream
After the match, Ouahbi approached Diop and told him what he had been carrying for days: "I was certain he would score an important goal for Morocco. I dreamed it." Then, simply: "He deserves it very much."
Bounou completes the story
After the 1-1 draw through extra time, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the hero of the penalty shootout, saving three Dutch spot-kicks to send Morocco into the round of 16 — where Canada awaited.
