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MOROCCO overcame a spirited challenge from Haiti and recovered from two separate deficits to claim a thrilling 4-2 victory on Wednesday, yet the Atlas Lions were denied top place in Group C as Brazil finished ahead on goal difference.
In a pulsating contest in Atlanta, Morocco eventually demonstrated the quality and resilience that carried them to the latter stages of recent major tournaments, but only after being rattled by a fearless Haitian side determined to leave a lasting impression on the global stage.
AFP reported today that the result secured Morocco's progression to the knockout phase, although Brazil's comfortable victory over Scotland elsewhere meant the North Africans were forced to settle for second place and a potentially more difficult route through the tournament.
For Haiti, elimination had already been confirmed before kick-off, yet the Caribbean nation delivered one of its most memorable World Cup performances in decades, scoring its first goals at the tournament in 52 years and twice taking the lead against one of Africa's strongest sides.
Backed by a passionate contingent of Haitian supporters in the stands, Les Grenadiers stunned Morocco after only 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne reached the by-line and delivered a cross that was diverted into the net via Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The early breakthrough ended Haiti's lengthy wait for a World Cup goal and set the tone for an enthralling encounter.
Morocco, however, found inspiration in captain Achraf Hakimi, who repeatedly surged forward from right-back and became increasingly influential as the match progressed.
The equaliser arrived six minutes before the interval when Haiti goalkeeper Jonny Placide, making the final World Cup appearance of his distinguished career at the age of 38, could only parry Bilal El Khannouss' effort into the path of Hakimi, who converted from close range.
Yet Haiti responded almost immediately with the goal of the match.
Wilson Isidor seized possession outside the penalty area and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, restoring Haiti's advantage and sending their supporters into celebration.
Morocco's frustration was evident, but the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists once again showed their composure under pressure.
Before half-time, Ismael Saibari continued his impressive tournament form by calmly finishing Hakimi's low cross to score his third goal in as many matches and level the contest at 2-2.
With Brazil pulling clear against Scotland, Morocco entered the second half knowing a commanding victory was required to have any realistic chance of overtaking the South Americans at the summit of the group.
Instead, coach Mohamed Ouahbi began balancing ambition with pragmatism, introducing fresh legs while preserving key players ahead of the knockout rounds.
The decisive moment arrived when substitute Soufiane Rahimi finally tilted the match in Morocco's favour. His powerful effort from a corner took a deflection before flying into the top corner, prompting an emotional celebration from the veteran forward.
Rahimi then played a decisive role in the fourth goal, dispossessing a defender near the by-line before delivering a simple cross for fellow substitute Gessime Yassine to finish into an empty net.
The victory ensured Morocco completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign and maintained momentum heading into the knockout phase.
Nevertheless, the evening ultimately belonged as much to Haiti as it did to Morocco. Despite exiting the competition without a point, the Caribbean side departed with pride intact after producing a courageous display that yielded their first World Cup goals since 1974 and pushed one of the tournament's strongest teams to the limit.
Morocco will now travel to Monterrey for a last-32 encounter, where either the Netherlands or Japan are expected to await, while Haiti leaves the tournament having earned admiration far beyond the final scoreline. - June 25, 2026
