*Brazil also on same 7 points as Atlas Lions top Group C on goals difference
Morocco twice came from behind to beat Haiti 4-2 and secure their place in the Round of 32 at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions endured a difficult first half in Atlanta, falling behind twice before showing character, quality and depth after the break to finish the group stage unbeaten.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari scored before half-time to cancel out Haiti’s two goals, before substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Jassim struck in the second half to complete the comeback.
The victory took Morocco to seven points in Group C, level with Brazil but behind the South Americans on better goal difference after defeating Scotland 3-0 last night.
That means Morocco finished second in the group and will now prepare for a knockout tie against the winners of Group F, with the Netherlands the likely opponents if they maintain top spot.
For African football, it was another major moment at the tournament as Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, again showed the resilience and tournament maturity that have made them one of the continent’s strongest teams.
Haiti stun Morocco early
Morocco entered the match knowing qualification was within reach, but Haiti made a brave and aggressive start.
The Caribbean side took the lead in the 10th minute when Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou turned the ball into his own net after Lenny Joseph’s clever backheel attempt caused confusion inside the area.
It was a historic moment for Haiti, marking their first World Cup goal since 1974.
Morocco responded by trying to control possession, with Bilal El Khannouss, Hakimi and Saibari increasingly involved in their attacking play.
The equaliser arrived 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 its way into the net to bring Morocco level.
But Haiti 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.
