Morocco edge Haiti in six-goal thriller to reach World Cup knockout stage

Morocco secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after overcoming a spirited Haiti side 4-2 in an entertaining Group C clash at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

The Atlas Lions were made to work hard for all three points by an already-eliminated Haitian team that produced one of its finest World Cup performances despite ultimately falling short.

Morocco finished second in Group C and advanced to the knockout stage, while Haiti exited the tournament without a point but with their heads held high after a courageous display.

Haiti stunned the Moroccan supporters in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph’s clever flick from Jean-Kévin Duverne’s low cross resulted in an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, giving the Caribbean side a surprise 1-0 lead.

Morocco responded by increasing the pressure and finally found an equaliser in the 39th minute.

Captain Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to deal with a dangerous cross, bundling the ball over the line to make it 1-1.

The drama intensified just four minutes later when Haiti regained the lead through Wilson Isidor.

The forward produced a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area, curling a powerful effort into the top corner in what many observers described as one of the goals of the tournament.

However, Morocco needed less than two minutes to answer.

Hakimi turned provider with an excellent run and cross, allowing Ismael Saibari to finish first time and level the score at 2-2 before halftime.

The goal was Saibari's third of the tournament, continuing his impressive World Cup campaign.

Morocco dominated possession and chances after the break but found Haiti’s defence difficult to break down.

Placide made several important saves to keep his side in contention, while Haiti remained dangerous on the counterattack.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute.

Defender Chadi Riad flicked on a corner and substitute Soufiane Rahimi controlled brilliantly before firing into the net with the aid of a slight deflection, giving Morocco the lead for the first time in the match.

Haiti continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, and Duckens Nazon almost produced late drama with a powerful free-kick that forced Bounou into an excellent save deep into stoppage time.

Morocco eventually sealed victory in the 89th minute when Rahimi showed remarkable determination to keep the ball in play before crossing for substitute Gessime Yassine, who tapped home from close range.

After a lengthy VAR review, the goal was confirmed, securing a 4-2 victory.

Hakimi was voted Player of the Match after contributing a goal and an assist, while Rahimi’s impact from the bench proved decisive.

Morocco finished the game with 3.26 expected goals compared to Haiti’s 0.66, underlining their attacking dominance.

The victory sends Morocco into the knockout rounds with growing confidence, while Haiti bow out having earned widespread admiration for their fighting spirit and attacking ambition.

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