Morocco Rallies
Morocco Rallies from Behind to Beat Haiti 4-2, Securing World Cup Advancement After 52 Years
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Morocco came from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in their final Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 24, advancing to the Round of 32 with 7 points. AP reported it was the first time Morocco had to twice overturn a deficit to win in 52 years of World Cup history. Substitute goals from Soufiane Rahimi in the 78th minute and 20-year-old debutant Gessime Yassine in the 89th minute sealed the victory in Atlanta.
The result ended Haiti's hopes of claiming their first ever World Cup point. The Caribbean nation — appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1974 — did score twice, ending a goal drought of 18,994 days, according to Largs and Millport Weekly News. But Morocco's superior quality ultimately proved too much.
Haiti Stuns Morocco Early Before Atlas Lions Claw Back
Haiti drew first blood in the 10th minute. A clever backheel from Lenny Joseph caused chaos in the Moroccan box, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou turned the ball into his own net, according to NDTV Profit. The goal was Haiti's first at a World Cup since 1974 — a remarkable moment for a nation battling deep internal conflict back home.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi pulled the team level in the 39th minute, bundling the ball home after Haitian keeper Johny Placide failed to hold a cross. Haiti then retook the lead in the 43rd minute when Wilson Isidor fired a thunderbolt into the top corner from 25 yards. Ismael Saibari rescued Morocco again on the stroke of halftime with a sharp strike from outside the box, making it 2-2. Largs and Millport Weekly News noted it was Saibari's third World Cup goal in as many matches — a first for any Moroccan player ever.
Two Substitutes Off the Bench Decide the Match
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi made his decisive move in the 70th minute, sending on Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine. Eight minutes later, Rahimi fired a deflected shot into the top corner from a corner kick routine to make it 3-2. Rahimi said the World Cup was a
Gessime Yassine then sealed it in the 89th minute with a close-range tap-in, confirmed by VAR. At just 20 years old, the Strasbourg winger scored on his tournament debut. TSN reported his rise from Ligue 2 to World Cup scorer happened in just six months. Coach Ouahbi said after the match:
Morocco's Bench Depth and Historic Passing Record Stand Out
Morocco finished Group C with 7 points — level with Brazil, who topped the group on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Scotland. Morocco's passing dominance was striking: SPORTbible reported the team completed 601 passes against Haiti, a new record for any African team in a single World Cup match.
Achraf Hakimi contributed a goal and an assist, taking his World Cup appearance tally to 12 — the most by any African player in tournament history, according to News Central Africa. Moroccan football analyst Jalal Bounouar said the performance highlighted Morocco's
Haiti Leaves With Pride, Morocco Eyes Monterrey Showdown
Despite finishing bottom of Group C with 0 points, Haiti's coach Sébastien Migné praised his team's
Morocco's next match is scheduled for June 29 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. They will face the winner of Group F. The Netherlands currently lead that group, making them the most likely opponent. Morocco enter the Round of 32 ranked 7th in the world, and analysts say they are no longer underdogs — they are contenders.
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