Morocco booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage as Group C runners-up after overcoming Haiti in an entertaining contest in Atlanta. Goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine in the closing stages ultimately secured the victory after the North African side had twice been forced to come from behind.
Despite collecting all three points, Morocco were unable to finish at the top of the group because Brazil defeated Scotland comfortably in Miami. As a result, the 2022 semi-finalists advanced in second place and will now prepare for a last-32 encounter against either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
The result ended Haiti’s hopes of earning a first-ever World Cup point. However, the Caribbean nation produced a spirited display and came close to creating a memorable chapter in their tournament history.
Haiti challenge favourites
Already eliminated following defeats to Scotland and Brazil, Haiti nevertheless delivered their most impressive performance of the competition. They opened the scoring after 10 minutes when a flicked effort from Lenny Joseph struck goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before crossing the line.
The goal was officially recorded as an own goal, denying Joseph the distinction of becoming only the second Haitian player to score at a World Cup after Emmanuel Sanon, who found the net twice in 1974. Nevertheless, the strike doubled Haiti’s overall goal tally in World Cup history.
Morocco restored parity in the 39th minute. Brahim Diaz tested Johny Placide, and when the goalkeeper failed to deal fully with the shot, Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest to force the ball over the line.
Haiti regained the lead shortly before the interval through a spectacular effort from Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor, whose long-range strike from 25 yards flew into the top corner. Yet Morocco responded again in first-half stoppage time when Hakimi provided the assist for Ismael Saibari, who claimed his third goal of the tournament.
Morocco’s quality proves decisive
After the break, Placide produced several important saves to frustrate Morocco and keep Haiti level for long periods. The goalkeeper’s resistance was eventually broken 12 minutes from time when substitute Rahimi’s attempt took a deflection off defender Ricardo Ade and found its way into the net.
The decisive blow arrived in the final minute. Rahimi managed to keep the ball in play near the byline, a decision later confirmed by the video assistant referee, before Yassine converted from close range to seal the outcome.
Morocco’s greater attacking depth eventually made the difference against an opponent that continued to battle throughout the evening despite already being out of contention.
Colourful atmosphere lights up Atlanta
The match marked the first-ever meeting between the two nations and was played in front of a vibrant crowd that created a memorable setting. Haiti’s blue and red colours mixed with Morocco’s red and green throughout the stadium, generating constant noise and energy.
Knowing this would be their final appearance at the tournament, Haiti supporters backed their team passionately from start to finish. Songs, celebrations, and enthusiastic reactions greeted every positive moment, while each save by Placide was celebrated as if it were a goal.
Morocco’s fans matched that enthusiasm, fully aware of the importance of the match in determining their team’s final position in the standings. Their players responded by producing the attacking moments required to secure qualification.
The contest delivered excitement both on the field and in the stands, providing a fitting occasion for two sets of devoted supporters. Haiti concludes the tournament at the bottom of Group C, while Morocco advances to the last 32 and will play at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on 30 June at 02:00 BST.