Morocco survived a major scare against Haiti to secure a thrilling victory and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The North Africans came from behind twice before late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine secured a dramatic win in Atlanta.
Haiti stunned Morocco by taking the lead in the 10th minute when a flicked effort from Lenny Joseph ended up in the net after coming off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal, denying Haiti a historic individual World Cup scorer.
Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, who bundled home an equaliser in the 39th minute after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to fully deal with a shot from Brahim Diaz.
Haiti restored their lead just before halftime when Wilson Isidor produced a stunning long-range strike that flew into the top corner, sending their supporters into wild celebrations.
However, Morocco struck back again in first-half stoppage time as Ismael Saibari finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-2.
Despite a series of impressive saves from Placide, Morocco eventually found the breakthrough in the 78th minute when substitute Soufiane Rahimi’s effort took a deflection and found the back of the net.
Gessime Yassine then wrapped up the victory in the closing stages after a VAR review confirmed the ball had remained in play during the build-up.
The win secured second place in Group C for Morocco, although it was not enough to overtake Brazil, who finished top of the group after defeating Scotland.
For Haiti, the defeat marked the end of their World Cup campaign. Despite finishing bottom of the group, they earned praise for a spirited display and doubled their all-time World Cup goals tally in a memorable performance.
Morocco will now advance to the Round of 32, where they are set to face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden as they continue their quest for a deep run in the tournament.
