Morocco Beats Haiti 4‑2, Secures Knockout Stage
Photo: REUTERS
Morocco survived a spirited challenge from Haiti to secure a 4-2 victory in their final Group C fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite falling behind twice, the Atlas Lions rallied to confirm their place in the Round of 32.
Haiti ignited the match in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph redirected a Jean-Kevin Duverne cross with an audacious back-heel. The ball deflected off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal, marking Haiti’s first World Cup goal in 52 years.
Morocco responded in the 39th minute as Achraf Hakimi bundled home a rebound following a Bilal El Khannouss strike.
The lead shifted again just before the break when Isidor unleashed a world-class strike from long range. However, Saibari equalized in first-half stoppage time, converting a Hakimi cutback.
The Atlas Lions intensified the pressure after the interval, with Soufiane Rahimi netting a deflected winner in the 78th minute. Teenager Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal in the final minutes to seal the result.
Finishing as Group C runners-up, Morocco will now face the Group F winner in Monterrey on 29 June.
While Haiti exits the tournament, they conclude their historic first appearance in over five decades with a resilient performance.
