Morocco overcome Haiti scare to enter 2026 World Cup knockouts as Group C runners-up

Morocco booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over a spirited Haiti side on Wednesday, although the Atlas Lions failed to finish top of Group C. The North Africans finished the group stage level on seven points with Brazil, who beat Scotland 3-0but had to settle for second place on goal difference. They are rewarded with a last 32 clash against the winners of Group F, where Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden remain in the game.

Despite already being eliminated, Haiti produced one of their most impressive displays of the tournament, taking the lead twice in a thrilling encounter. Their adventurous approach caused Morocco problems throughout the evening and ensured that the contest remained perfectly even for long periods.

The Caribbean side struck first after 10 minutes. Josue Casimir held up the ball brilliantly before releasing Jean-Kevin Duvern down the wing. His shot into the box was met by Lenny Joseph, whose clever back-heel eventually found its way into the net with an unfortunate deflection off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco dominated possession and created several chances, but veteran Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, making his last international appearance after a 15-year career, repeatedly frustrated the African side with a series of crucial saves.

The pressure finally told six minutes before half-time. Bilal El Khannouss delivered a dangerous ball into the area and after Placide could only push it away, captain Achraf Hakimi was quickest to react to force home an equaliser.

Haiti responded almost immediately. Deep into the first half, Duverne again turned provider and found Wilson Isidor who unleashed a powerful strike from distance to restore his side’s advantage and stun the Moroccan supporters.

The lead only lasted a few minutes. Morocco hit back before the break when Sofyan Amrabat released Hakimi on the right and the captain’s cut-back was calmly converted by Ismael Saibari, who continued his impressive tournament with a third goal in as many World Cup appearances.

As the second half wore on, Haiti’s resistance began to fade under relentless pressure. Morocco finally broke through for the first time in the 78th minute, when a poorly cleared corner fell kindly to substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who made no mistake from close range.

The result was put beyond doubt at stoppage time, although not without controversy. Haiti’s defenders fell silent, convinced the ball had gone over the touchline, but Rahimi kept the move alive and squared 20-year-old Gessime Yassine to tap into an empty net. A lengthy VAR review ensued before the referees confirmed that the entire ball remained in play and the goal stood.

While Morocco progress to the knockout stages with momentum, Haiti leave the tournament without a point but with much admiration. In their first World Cup in more than five decades, they put one of Africa’s strongest sides through the paces and left with a greatly enhanced reputation.

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Published on:

Jun 25, 2026 06:14 IST