Morocco overcomes Haiti scare to enter World Cup 2026 knockouts as Group C runners-up

Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 in an instant World Cup classic to finish second in Group C. In a match that saw four goals in the first half, the Atlas Lions were able to battle on score two in the final 45 minutes to get the victory.

In Short

• Haiti stunned Morocco early as Lenny Joseph scored
• Johny Placide marked his farewell international with several sharp first-half saves
• El Khannouss and Rahimi sealed the win in the second half

Morocco secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over a spirited Haiti side on Wednesday, although the Atlas Lions were unable to finish top of Group C. The North Africans ended the group stage level on seven points with Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0, but had to settle for second place on goal difference. Their reward is a last-32 clash against the winners of Group F, where Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden remain in contention.

Despite already being eliminated, Haiti produced one of their most impressive displays of the tournament and twice took the lead in a thrilling encounter. Their adventurous approach caused Morocco problems throughout the evening and ensured the contest remained finely balanced for long periods.

The Caribbean side struck first after 10 minutes. Josue Casimir held the ball up brilliantly before releasing Jean-Kevin Duverne down the flank. His delivery into the area was met by Lenny Joseph, whose clever backheel eventually found its way into the net via an unfortunate deflection off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco dominated possession and created several opportunities, but veteran Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, making his final international appearance after a 15-year career, repeatedly frustrated the African side with a string of important saves.

The pressure finally told six minutes before half-time. Bilal El Khannouss delivered a dangerous ball into the area and, after Placide could only push it away, captain Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest to force home the equaliser.

Haiti responded almost immediately. Deep into the first half, Duverne turned provider again, finding Wilson Isidor, who unleashed a powerful strike from distance to restore his side's advantage and stun the Moroccan supporters.

The lead lasted only a few minutes. Morocco hit back before the break when Sofyan Amrabat released Hakimi on the right wing, and the captain's cut-back was calmly converted by Ismael Saibari, who continued his impressive tournament with a third goal in as many World Cup appearances.

As the second half wore on, Haiti's resistance began to fade under relentless pressure. Morocco finally moved ahead for the first time in the 78th minute when a poorly cleared corner fell kindly for substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who made no mistake from close range.

The result was put beyond doubt in stoppage time, although not without controversy. Haiti's defenders paused, convinced the ball had crossed the byline, but Rahimi kept the move alive and squared for 20-year-old Gessime Yassine to tap into an empty net. A lengthy VAR review followed before officials confirmed the entire ball had remained in play, allowing the goal to stand.

While Morocco march into the knockout rounds with momentum, Haiti leave the tournament without a point but with plenty of admiration. Competing at their first World Cup in more than five decades, they pushed one of Africa's strongest sides all the way and depart with their reputation significantly enhanced.

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