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Football

Morocco advance to knockout stage with thrilling comeback win over Haiti

Thursday, 25 June 2026, 06:09 · 1 min read

Morocco secured their place in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, twice falling behind before ultimately pulling clear of the Caribbean side. The result confirmed Morocco as Group C runners-up behind Brazil, who finished top on goal difference after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami.

Haiti, appearing at their first World Cup since 1974 and already eliminated before kick-off, showed remarkable spirit against the 2022 semi-finalists. The Atlas Lions were stunned after just ten minutes when a cross from Jean-Kevin Duverne was flicked in via a deflection off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal — Haiti's first World Cup goal in 52 years. Morocco levelled through captain Achraf Hakimi, who converted after Haiti's veteran 38-year-old goalkeeper Johny Placide could only parry a shot from Bilal El Khannouss. Within four minutes, however, Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor restored Haiti's lead with a stunning long-range effort that arrowed into the top corner. Morocco again fought back before half-time, with Ismael Saibari coolly finishing from Hakimi's low cross to score in all three of his side's group-stage games — a first for an African player at a single World Cup tournament.

The second half belonged to Morocco's substitutes. Soufiane Rahimi, visibly emotional after scoring, saw his powerful effort from a corner deflect into the top corner to give Morocco the lead for the first time. He then created the fourth, robbing possession on the byline and crossing for Gessime Yassine to roll into an empty net. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi was bullish after the match, declaring that his squad now believe they can win the tournament outright.

Sources
Al Jazeera Arabicالأهداف والهدافون.. رقمان مغربيان يسطران تاريخا جديدا في كأس العالم ↗︎Al Jazeera Arabicمحمد وهبي: المغرب يستهدف التتويج بكأس العالم 2026 ↗︎Al Jazeera EnglishMorocco come back after historic Haiti goals to reach World Cup last 32 ↗︎Premium Times NigeriaWorld Cup: Brazil top group C as Morocco edge Haiti in thrilling group final ↗︎
Also covered by
Al Jazeera Arabic [1] [2] [3] · BBC Arabic · France24 [1] [2] · NOS Sport [1] [2] · RFI
This article was automatically compiled by AI from the sources above. It may contain inaccuracies. Always read the original sources for the full context.