Morocco recovered from two shocks against a spirited Haiti side to claim a 4-2 victory in their final Group C match and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
The Atlas Lions finished second in the group and will now face the winners of Group F in Monterrey on 29 June, while Haiti exited the tournament after an encouraging first World Cup appearance in more than five decades.
Haiti stunned Morocco after just 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne’s cross into the area was cleverly flicked by Lenny Joseph before the ball ricocheted into the net off goalkeeper Yassine Bono. The goal marked Haiti’s first at a World Cup in 52 years.
Morocco responded with sustained pressure and eventually found an equaliser through Achraf Hakimi, who bundled home after goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Bilal El Khannouss’ effort.
The Caribbean side were not finished. Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s lead minutes later with a stunning long-range strike that gave Bono no chance and briefly put Morocco on the ropes.
However, parity was restored before half-time when Hakimi picked out Ismael Saibari, who calmly side-footed home in stoppage time.
Morocco gradually took control after the interval and completed the comeback in the 78th minute. Soufiane Rahimi capitalised on a corner-kick situation, with his effort taking a deflection before finding the net.
Substitute Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal in the closing stages to seal the win and remove any lingering doubts.
While Morocco march on, Haiti leave the tournament with a place in the history books, becoming the 45th nation to score at the 2026 World Cup and registering two goals in a World Cup match for the first time.
Hakimi was named Superior Player of the Match after playing a key role in Morocco’s comeback victory.
