Morocco overcame a spirited challenge from Haiti to claim a thrilling 4-2 victory on Wednesday, booking their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic Group C encounter.
Second-half goals from substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine completed Morocco’s comeback and extinguished Haiti’s hopes of earning their first-ever World Cup point. The Atlas Lions finished second in Group C behind five-time champions Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0 in the group’s other match.
Morocco, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions and semifinalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, entered the match as heavy favorites. However, Haiti delivered one of the tournament’s biggest scares, twice taking the lead against a side ranked 74 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
The Caribbean nation stunned Morocco in the 10th minute with a historic goal. Lenny Joseph etched his name into Haitian soccer history when his clever back-heeled flick at the near post beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The strike made Joseph Haiti’s first World Cup goalscorer since Emmanuel Sanon found the net during the nation’s only previous appearance at the tournament in 1974.
Morocco responded by increasing the pressure and finally found an equalizer six minutes before halftime. Bilal El Khannouss delivered a dangerous cross that took a deflection, and although goalkeeper Johny Placide managed to get a hand on the ball, Achraf Hakimi was on hand to force it over the line and make it 1-1.
Just when Morocco appeared ready to seize control, Haiti struck again. Wilson Isidor restored his side’s advantage in the 43rd minute with a spectacular long-range effort that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Bounou with no chance.
The lead lasted only until first-half stoppage time. Hakimi continued to be Morocco’s most influential player, delivering another dangerous cross that Ismael Saibari swept beyond Placide to level the match at 2-2. The goal was Saibari’s third of the tournament and ensured the teams headed into halftime deadlocked after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The second half remained tense as Haiti defended bravely while searching for another upset. Morocco controlled possession and continued to create chances but struggled to break through until the closing stages.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute when Rahimi, introduced from the bench, fired a shot that took a crucial deflection on its way into the net. The goal gave Morocco their first lead of the match at 3-2 and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
With Haiti pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Morocco delivered the decisive blow one minute from full time. Another substitute, Gessime Yassine, capped off a swift attack with a composed finish in the 89th minute to secure the 4-2 victory.
The win sends Morocco into the knockout rounds with confidence, although the performance highlighted areas for improvement if the North Africans hope to repeat their historic run from four years ago. Despite advancing, Morocco were forced to work far harder than expected against a determined Haitian side making its first World Cup appearance in more than half a century.
For Haiti, the defeat was heartbreaking but also showcased the nation’s growing potential on the world stage. While their hopes of advancing came to an end, the Caribbean side earned widespread respect with a fearless display against one of Africa’s strongest teams.
Morocco now turns its attention to the Round of 32, where its ambitions of another deep World Cup run remain very much alive.
