By Dwayne Ferreira.
Morocco recover from two deficits to beat Haiti 4-2, finish second in World Cup Group C and advance behind Brazil after an Atlanta thriller.
Morocco twice came from behind before defeating Haiti 4-2 in a dramatic Group C finale, securing a place in the World Cup round of 32 as runners-up behind Brazil.
The Atlas Lions began the night level with Brazil on four points and knew a draw would guarantee progression. Haiti had already been eliminated after defeats by Scotland and Brazil, but they played with freedom in Atlanta and threatened to transform the group’s final standings.
The first shock arrived in the 10th minute. Lenny Joseph found space inside the six-yard area and his effort struck goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before crossing the line, with the goal recorded as a Bounou own goal. It was Haiti’s first goal of the tournament and rewarded their aggressive opening.
Morocco controlled possession but initially struggled to turn pressure into clear chances. Achraf Hakimi eventually equalised in the 39th minute, reacting inside the penalty area after veteran goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to secure the initial ball. The goal appeared to restore order, but Haiti responded almost immediately.
Wilson Isidor put Haiti ahead again in the 43rd minute with a spectacular strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner. The advantage lasted only until first-half stoppage time, when Hakimi supplied Ismael Saibari and the midfielder produced a clever finish for his third goal in three group matches.
Morocco increased the pressure after the interval, generating repeated attempts and forcing Placide into several saves. Haiti continued to threaten on the counterattack, but the growing weight of Moroccan possession made it increasingly difficult for Sébastien Migné’s side to protect the draw.
The breakthrough came in the 78th minute. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi controlled the ball following a corner and drove a deflected effort past Placide to give Morocco their first lead. Rahimi then created the fourth goal in the 89th minute, keeping the ball in play near the byline before supplying 20-year-old Gessime Yassine for a simple finish.
Hakimi’s goal and assist made him Morocco’s central influence, while Saibari continued an exceptional group stage by scoring in every match. The introductions of Rahimi and Yassine gave the attack greater sharpness at the decisive stage and demonstrated the depth available to coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Haiti left the tournament without a point, yet their final performance provided a memorable conclusion to their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. Joseph’s involvement in the opener and Isidor’s outstanding strike twice placed one of Africa’s strongest teams under severe pressure, while Placide made eight saves in his farewell appearance.
Morocco finished with seven points but placed second behind Brazil on goal difference. They will face the winner of Group F in the round of 32 on June 29, while Haiti return home having produced two goals and one of the group stage’s most spirited displays.
The comeback, scoring times, player statistics and Group C outcome were cross-checked through Reuters, AP and live match reporting.
MATCH SUMMARY
Morocco – 4
Achraf Hakimi 39’
Ismael Saibari 45+1’
Soufiane Rahimi 78’
Gessime Yassine 89’
Haiti – 2
Yassine Bounou 10’ own goal
Wilson Isidor 43’
Result: Morocco won 4-2
Player of the Match: Achraf Hakimi
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date: June 24, 2026
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