Dutch International: "This is painful for the country and the team; we fought until the very end"

Dutch national team defender Jan-Paul van Hecke expressed his pain and disappointment following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The "Oranje" were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Morocco after a 3-2 penalty shootout loss, with the two teams drawing 1-1 after regular time and extra time.

"It was an incredibly tense match, and I'm deeply disappointed. We fought hard and gave our all, but it wasn't enough. It couldn't be more frustrating, and it truly hurts. It was a tough battle; we fought until the very end. This is painful for the country and for the team. I can't even imagine what people back home are feeling right now. I can only apologize," Van Hecke told the media.

He admitted that the Dutch locker room was silent after today's defeat.

"We felt we could hold on until extra time. When they scored to make it 1-1, our energy drained. In a penalty shootout, things can go either way. The locker room was quiet afterward. Everyone had a dream, so it will take a long time for us to heal," Jan-Paul van Hecke added.