ATLANTA — Morocco fought from behind twice to defeat a spirited Haiti side 4-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, securing their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions, semifinalists in Qatar four years ago, showed their character after falling behind in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph's clever back-heeled flick beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at the near post — Haiti's first World Cup goal since Emmanuel Sanon's strike in 1974 and their first ever in a World Cup match in 52 years.
Morocco pushed forward relentlessly and found their equalizer in the 39th minute when Achraf Hakimi bundled the ball over the line after Johny Placide could only parry Bilal El Khannouss' deflected cross.
Just four minutes later, Haiti snatched the lead again. Wilson Isidor unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner, silencing the majority-Moroccan crowd of 68,239. But Morocco had an instant response — Ismael Saibari swept Hakimi's cross past Placide in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the break. It was Saibari's third goal of the tournament.
The second half was a more measured affair. Morocco controlled possession but struggled to break down a resolute Haiti defense until head coach Walid Regragui turned to his bench. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi made an immediate impact, seeing his deflected shot loop past Placide in the 78th minute to put Morocco ahead 3-2 for the first time.
Haiti pushed forward in search of another equalizer but left themselves exposed, and Gessime Yassine put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute with a composed finish to make it 4-2.
Morocco finish second in Group C with seven points, level with group winners Brazil who beat Scotland 3-0 in the parallel fixture. The Atlas Lions advanced alongside the five-time champions, while Scotland sit third on three points and Haiti depart without a point in their first World Cup since 1974.
For Haiti, there was immense pride despite the defeat. Joseph's goal — the first by a Haitian player at a World Cup in 52 years — briefly gave the Caribbean nation a dream lead, and Isidor's stunning strike showed their quality. But Morocco's superior experience and depth ultimately told.
"We showed great character to come back twice," Morocco coach Walid Regragui said after the match. "This team has a fighting spirit that was forged in Qatar four years ago. We're not done yet."
Morocco will now await their round of 32 opponent as they look to replicate — or even surpass — their historic semifinal run from 2022.