Morocco fights back to beat Haiti, securing a spot in the round of 32.

*Brazil also on same 7 points as Atlas Lions top Group C on goals difference 

Morocco staged two comebacks to defeat Haiti 4‑2, earning a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

The Atlas Lions struggled in the first half in Atlanta, falling behind twice before showing resilience, quality and depth after the break to finish the group stage unbeaten.

Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari scored before the interval to cancel out Haiti’s two goals, while substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim added the final two in the second half.

The win moved Morocco to seven points in Group C, equal with Brazil but behind the South Americans on goal difference after a 3‑0 victory over Scotland the previous night.

Morocco therefore finished second in the group and will face the Group F winner in the knockout round, most likely the Netherlands if they maintain first place.

For African football, the result was another significant moment, as Morocco—semi‑finalists in 2022—once again displayed the resilience and maturity that have made them one of the continent’s strongest teams.

Haiti stun Morocco early

Entering the match with qualification within reach, Morocco was taken aback by Haiti’s aggressive start.

The Caribbean side took the lead in the 10th minute when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou inadvertently scored an own goal after Lenny Joseph’s clever back‑heel attempt caused confusion inside the area.

This marked Haiti’s first World Cup goal since 1974.

Morocco responded by attempting to control possession, with Bilal El Khannouss, Hakimi and Saibari increasingly involved in attack.

The equaliser came in the 39th minute when Hakimi followed up after Haitian goalkeeper Johnny Placide failed to hold a dangerous ball. The Paris Saint‑Germain full‑back reacted quickly, and the ball found the net to level the score.

Haiti, however, refused to fold.

Four minutes later, Wilson Isidore restored their lead with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, sending the ball into the corner of Bounou’s goal.

Saibari keeps Atlas Lions alive

Morocco needed a quick response, and Saibari delivered in first‑half stoppage time.

Hakimi again played an important role, sending a low ball into the area for Saibari, who finished calmly to make it 2‑2.

The goal changed the mood before half‑time and prevented Morocco from going into the break under greater pressure.

The opening 45 minutes had been chaotic, with four goals and several momentum swings.

Haiti showed energy and ambition, but Morocco’s ability to respond twice demonstrated the mental strength that has become central to their identity.