Image: from Xinhua Sports X @XHSports
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Morocco secured a dramatic 4,2 victory over Haiti on Wednesday to conclude its FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C campaign in second place, after surviving an inspired performance from the Caribbean side that pushed the Atlas Lions to the limit.
Although Morocco entered the match hoping to overtake Brazil at the top of the group on goal difference, the victory was not enough to deny the South Americans first place. Instead, the Atlas Lions now advance to the knockout stage as runners-up, where they are expected to face the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
Haiti Stuns Morocco Early
Already eliminated from the tournament, Haiti refused to play the role of spectators and produced one of their finest World Cup performances.
The underdogs shocked Morocco after just 10 minutes when Jean Kévin Duverne surged down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross that ultimately resulted in an own goal credited to Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after Lenny Joseph’s clever backheel attempt.
The early setback forced Morocco onto the offensive, but despite creating several opportunities through Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismael Saibari, and Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions struggled to find rhythm against Haiti’s disciplined defending and outstanding goalkeeping from Johny Placide.
End-to-End First Half
Morocco eventually found an equalizer in the 39th minute when Hakimi converted from close range after Placide had denied Bilal El Khannouss.
Haiti responded almost immediately. Wilson Isidor restored the lead with a spectacular long-range strike that flew into the top corner, silencing the Moroccan supporters.
The frantic first half still had another twist before the break, as Saibari finished a low cross from Hakimi to level the score at 2,2. The goal also made Saibari the first African player to score in all three group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco Finds the Winner
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Morocco dominating possession while Haiti continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Placide produced several outstanding saves to keep Haiti level, frustrating Morocco’s attack for much of the half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the closing stages when substitute Soufiane Rahimi headed home from close range following a corner to give Morocco its first lead of the match.
Deep into stoppage time, Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal after another excellent contribution from Rahimi, sealing a 4,2 victory that reflected Morocco’s superior quality but not the competitiveness of the contest.
Haiti Leaves With Pride
Although Haiti exited the tournament without earning a point, the Caribbean nation won widespread praise for its fearless display against one of Africa’s strongest teams. Their attacking football and resilience made life difficult for Morocco throughout the evening and offered plenty of encouragement for the future.
For Morocco, qualification remains the priority, but finishing second means a potentially difficult Round of 16 encounter against the Netherlands awaits as the knockout stage begins.