FIFA WC 2026: Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to advance as Group C runners-up
Synopsis
Haiti scored their first World Cup goal in 52 years and led twice — yet Morocco still found a way through. A four-goal second-half swing at Atlanta Stadium sent the Atlas Lions into the Round of 32 and sent Haiti home with their heads held high. It was the most dramatic match of Group C, and possibly of the tournament so far.
Key Takeaways
Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 at Atlanta Stadium on 25 June in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 group game.
Morocco finish as Group C runners-up and advance to the Round of 32 , where they face the winner of Group F (Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden).
Haiti led twice — through Lenny Joseph and a long-range strike from Isidor — before Morocco overturned the deficit.
Lenny Joseph's opener was Haiti's first World Cup goal since 1974 — a gap of 52 years .
Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored in the second half to seal Morocco's victory; Achraf Hakimi netted twice.
Haiti exit after their first World Cup appearance in over 50 years , earning widespread praise for their performance.
Morocco staged a dramatic comeback to defeat a tenacious Haiti side 4-2 in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture at Atlanta Stadium on 25 June, clinching second place in Group C and a berth in the Round of 32. The Atlas Lions were twice pegged back by the Grenadiers before a dominant second-half display sealed the points.
Key Developments
Morocco will next face the winner of Group F — either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden. Haiti, meanwhile, exit the tournament having earned widespread admiration for their spirited display. The result caps off an electrifying return to the World Cup for the Caribbean nation, their first appearance at the tournament in over 50 years.
A Historic First Half
Haiti drew first blood just 10 minutes in when full-back Jean-Kevin Duverne cut the ball back across the penalty area and Lenny Joseph produced an audacious backheel flick. The ball deflected in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bono — Haiti's first World Cup goal in 52 years, dating back to 1974.
Morocco responded with sustained pressure and, after Johny Placide denied several chances, Achraf Hakimi bundled the ball over the line following a parried shot from Bilal El Khannouss. Haiti retook the lead moments later through a long-range thunderbolt from Isidor — a strike that will be remembered long after this tournament. But Morocco levelled again in first-half stoppage time when Hakimi cut back for Saibari, who side-footed home to make it 2-2 at the break.
Morocco's Second-Half Dominance
After the interval, Morocco steadily asserted control. Soufiane Rahimi completed the comeback with just over 10 minutes remaining, firing home a deflected shot from a corner. Substitute Gessime Yassine added a fourth in the dying minutes to put the result beyond doubt and give the final scoreline a comfortable look that perhaps flattered the Africans.
Haiti's Bright Exit
Despite the defeat, Haiti's performance drew admiration from fans and neutrals alike. Playing without the weight of expectation, they produced a free-flowing, attack-minded display in the first half that had Atlanta Stadium buzzing. This was only their second-ever World Cup appearance and their first since 1974 — a remarkable achievement for a nation rebuilding both on and off the pitch.
What's Next
Morocco will now prepare for the Round of 32, where the quality of their opponent from Group F will be determined by results still to come. The Atlas Lions will need to tighten their defensive structure if they are to progress deeper into the tournament.
Point of View
Japan, or Sweden. The Atlas Lions have the attacking depth to hurt anyone, but their vulnerability to direct, energetic play — exactly what Haiti delivered — could prove costly in the knockout rounds. Haiti, for their part, showed that tactical freedom and nothing-to-lose intent can unsettle even established sides; their exit is a reminder that World Cup expansion has genuine merit when it surfaces stories like this.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Morocco and Haiti at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 at Atlanta Stadium on 25 June 2026 in their final Group C match. Morocco twice conceded the lead before goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine sealed the win in the second half.
Who scored for Morocco against Haiti?
Achraf Hakimi scored twice for Morocco, with Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine adding one each. Hakimi's first goal was bundled over the line after a parried shot, while his second was an assist-turned-cutback for Saibari's equaliser — though Hakimi himself is credited with both attacking contributions.
Why was Haiti's goal historically significant?
Lenny Joseph's opener for Haiti was the country's first World Cup goal since 1974 — a gap of 52 years. It came just 10 minutes into the match and marked a landmark moment for Haitian football on their first World Cup appearance in over half a century.
Who will Morocco play in the Round of 32?
Morocco will face the winner of Group F, which could be the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden, depending on results from that group's remaining fixtures.
How did Haiti qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Haiti's participation at the 2026 World Cup marks their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, made possible in part by the expanded 48-team format. They exited in the group stage but were widely praised for their competitive and entertaining displays.
