World Cup 2026: Yassine Bono, the penalty shootout specialist

04.07.26 FT World Cup

Canada

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Morocco

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To go far in a major tournament, you need an outstanding goalkeeper. Yassine Bono once again demonstrated his crucial role for Morocco, helping his side prevail over the Netherlands (1-1, 3-2 on penalties).

This marks the third time Morocco have secured victory via a penalty shootout since the World Cup 2022. The Atlas Lions have truly mastered this tense exercise, thanks to their Al-Hilal shot-stopper.

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Born in Montreal, Bono pulled off two crucial saves against Summerville, playing a decisive role in Morocco’s triumph. It’s the third time in recent years that Morocco have won a major tournament shootout.

He did it against Spain at the 2022 World Cup (0-0, 3-0) and also versus Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final (0-0, 2-4 on penalties). Bono denied efforts from Busquets and Soler in 2022, as well as Chukwueze and Onyemaechi in 2025.

According to Opta, only four of the 12 penalties faced by Yassine Bounou in Morocco’s last three shootouts have found the net (5 saved, 3 off target). Phenomenal!

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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