Morocco pulled off a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti on Wednesday night to seal their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing second in Group C with seven points.

The Atlas Lions were twice pegged back in Atlanta but displayed the resilience and depth that have defined their tournament runs in recent years, eventually pulling clear in the second half through a pair of substitute goals.

Haiti's early shock

Haiti made a fearless start, taking the lead in the 10th minute when a backheel attempt by Lenny Joseph caused confusion in the area and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou turned the ball into his own net. It was Haiti's first World Cup goal since 1974.

Morocco worked to regain control through Bilal El Khannouss, Achraf Hakimi, and Ismail Saibari, and the equaliser came in the 39th minute when Hakimi pounced after Haitian goalkeeper Johnny Placide failed to hold a dangerous delivery. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back's persistence drew Morocco level.

Haiti refused to be subdued. Wilson Isidore restored their lead four minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the area, sending the ball into the corner of Bounou's goal.

Saibari steadies the ship before the break

Morocco needed an immediate reply, and Saibari provided it in first-half stoppage time. Hakimi played a low ball across the area, and Saibari finished calmly to make it 2-2 and rescue his side's composure ahead of the interval.

The opening 45 minutes had produced four goals, several shifts in momentum, and evidence both of Haiti's attacking ambition and Morocco's capacity to respond under pressure.

Substitutes turn the tide

After the restart, Morocco grew more dominant. El Khannouss went close, only for Placide to produce a fine save to keep Haiti level. Around the 70th minute, the Moroccan bench introduced Soufiane Rahimi, Azzedine Ounahi, and Yassine Jassim — and the game shifted decisively.

In the 78th minute, Hakimi's corner was directed back across goal by Shadi Riad, and Rahimi converted from close range to give Morocco the lead for the first time. Haiti pushed forward in search of a third equaliser, opening up space at the back.

Jassim made them pay in the 89th minute, completing the scoring after a VAR check confirmed the ball had not gone out of play before reaching him. The 4-2 result was sealed, and Morocco marched into the knockout rounds.

Morocco march on, Africa's flag flies higher

The win wrapped up a composed group-stage campaign for Morocco. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Brazil, edged Scotland 1-0, and then demonstrated their attacking variety against Haiti. Seven points put them level with Brazil, though they finished second on goal difference.

Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the last 32, with the Netherlands likely to be their opponents should they hold onto top spot in their group.

Defensively, conceding twice in the first half against Haiti will give the coaching staff cause for reflection. But the impact of Hakimi throughout, the quality of the Atlas Lions' attacking substitutes, and their ability to win while twice coming from behind will give supporters every reason for optimism.

For Haiti, a brave campaign ends with one point. For Morocco — and for African football — the journey continues.