Morocco secured their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling past a spirited Haiti side in an entertaining 4-2 victory in Atlanta.
The Atlas Lions were made to work hard for all three points as Haiti twice took the lead and threatened to cause one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Morocco’s evening got off to the worst possible start when goalkeeper Yassine Bono inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 10th minute, giving Haiti an unexpected advantage.
Despite the setback, Morocco gradually settled into the game and found an equaliser six minutes before half-time through Achraf Hakimi, who showed sharp reactions inside the penalty area to finish from close range.
The goal sparked life into the North Africans, but Haiti responded in spectacular fashion. Wilson Isidor restored his side’s lead with a stunning long-range strike that left Bono with no chance.
However, Morocco once again found an answer before the interval. This time Hakimi turned provider, setting up Ismael Saibari, who calmly converted to send the teams into the break level at 2-2.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Morocco raised their intensity in the second half and eventually found the decisive moment in the 78th minute.
Soufiane Rahimi reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area and guided his effort into the net to complete the comeback and hand Morocco the lead for the first time in the match.
The Atlas Lions controlled the closing stages and added another goal to put the result beyond doubt, sealing a memorable 4-2 victory.
The win ensured Morocco finished second in Group C on seven points, narrowly behind Brazil on goal difference, and secured their place in the knockout rounds.