Morocco secured qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, defeating Haiti 4-2 in their final Group C match and advancing beyond the group stage for the third time in the nation’s history.
The Atlas Lions, who previously reached the second round in 1986 and made history with a semifinal run in 2022, booked their place in the Round of 32 after a dramatic comeback victory at Atlanta Stadium.
Despite earning the same number of points as Brazil, Morocco finished second in Group C on goal difference after the South American side defeated Scotland 3-0 in the group’s other match.
Morocco’s evening began poorly when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 10th minute, handing Haiti an early lead.
The Atlas Lions responded before halftime through captain Achraf Hakimi, who leveled the score in the 39th minute after sustained Moroccan pressure.
Haiti regained the advantage just four minutes later when Wilson Isidore unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, restoring his side’s lead at 2-1.
However, Morocco entered the break on level terms after Ismael Saibari continued his impressive tournament form by scoring deep into first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2.
With qualification hanging in the balance, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi turned to his bench in the second half, and the substitutions proved decisive.
Sofiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead for the first time in the 78th minute, converting from a corner kick to give the Atlas Lions a crucial 3-2 lead.
Yassine Jessim sealed the victory in the 89th minute, finishing off a late attack to secure a 4-2 win and ensure Morocco’s passage to the knockout rounds.
In the group’s other fixture, Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to finish top of Group C with seven points. Morocco also ended the group stage on seven points but placed second due to an inferior goal difference.
The result extends Morocco’s strong international record following its historic 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar and confirms the Atlas Lions as one of the leading representatives of African football at the 2026 tournament.
Morocco will now await confirmation of its Round of 32 opponent as it seeks to continue its World Cup journey and build on another successful group-stage campaign.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.