BY Issah Olegor
Morocco booked their place in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after battling back from an early setback to defeat a spirited Haiti side 4-2 in an entertaining Group C encounter in Atlanta.
The Atlas Lions were made to work hard for all three points as Haiti threatened to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
However, Morocco’s experience, resilience and attacking quality ultimately proved decisive as the North Africans completed a dramatic comeback to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
The victory ensured Morocco finished second in Group C with seven points, level with group winners Brazil but behind the South Americans on goal difference.
The result continues Morocco’s impressive rise in world football following their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the tournament.
Heading into the match, Morocco knew victory would guarantee their passage into the knockout phase. However, they were immediately stunned by a fearless Haiti side determined to end their World Cup campaign on a high.
The Caribbean nation made a dream start in the 10th minute when Morocco goalkeeper Bono endured a moment to forget.
Under pressure inside his own penalty area, the experienced shot-stopper accidentally diverted the ball into his own net, gifting Haiti a shock lead and sending their supporters into celebration.
The unexpected goal transformed the contest, forcing Morocco onto the offensive as they searched for a quick response.
Despite dominating possession, the Atlas Lions struggled to break down Haiti’s disciplined defence for much of the first half. The underdogs remained compact and organised, frustrating Morocco’s attacking stars while looking dangerous on the counterattack.
Morocco’s persistence was finally rewarded six minutes before halftime. Defender Achraf Hakimi found himself in the right place inside the penalty area following a frantic scramble and calmly slotted the ball into the net from close range to restore parity.
The celebrations were briefly interrupted as the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the goal for a possible infringement. However, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie confirmed that no offence had occurred, allowing the goal to stand and bringing Morocco level.
If Morocco believed the equaliser would break Haiti’s resistance, they were quickly reminded that the Caribbean side had no intention of surrendering.
Haiti responded in spectacular fashion as Wilson Isidor produced one of the goals of the tournament. Spotting space from long range, the forward unleashed a thunderous strike that flew beyond Bono and into the top corner, restoring Haiti’s advantage and once again silencing the Moroccan supporters.
Yet Morocco’s response demonstrated why they have become one of Africa’s strongest football nations.
Rather than allowing frustration to creep into their performance, the Atlas Lions struck back almost immediately before the halftime whistle.
Achraf Hakimi, who had already scored Morocco’s first goal, turned provider with an intelligent pass into the path of Ismael Saibari. The midfielder made no mistake, firing a superb finish into the net to level the scores at 2-2 heading into the interval.
The dramatic first half left everything to play for as both teams continued to believe victory was within reach. After the restart, the pace of the game slowed slightly as both managers made tactical adjustments in an effort to gain control of the contest.
Morocco enjoyed greater possession during the second period but continued to face determined resistance from a Haiti side that defended bravely and looked capable of springing another surprise on the counterattack.
