Regardless of bowing out with no level of their first World Cup since 1974, Haiti twice led in opposition to 2022 semifinalists Morocco.
Printed On 25 Jun 2026
Morocco twice overcame the shock of conceding to Haiti to win a World Cup thriller 4-2 in Atlanta, however missed out on the highest spot in Group C to Brazil.
Haiti bowed out with their first World Cup objectives in 52 years, as a Yassine Bounou personal objective and Wilson Isidor’s beautiful strike twice gave them the lead on Wednesday.
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Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, along with his third objective in as many video games on the World Cup, levelled earlier than half-time.
Soufiane Rahimi was practically dropped at tears when the 30-year-old’s deflected effort discovered the highest nook to offer Morocco the lead, earlier than Gessime Yassine rounded off the scoring.
However Morocco missed out on the highest spot within the group to Brazil on objective distinction, which means they’ll head to Monterrey for a possible assembly in opposition to the Netherlands or Japan on Monday.
Regardless of bowing out with no level, Haiti’s performances at their first World Cup since 1974 have finished a nation gripped by poverty proud.
Les Grenadiers had been already eradicated after shedding to Scotland and Brazil, however the 1000’s of Haitian expats within the stands in Atlanta had been undeterred as each assault was met with deafening cheers.
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi made 4 adjustments to the facet that had impressed in holding Brazil and beating Scotland of their opening two video games, and the Atlas Lions began sloppily.
Haiti’s lengthy look forward to a objective on the worldwide stage was ended after simply 10 minutes, when Jean-Kevin Duverne acquired to the byline, and Lenny Joseph flicked the ensuing cross into the online by way of a deflection off Bounou.
Hakimi has continued to captain Morocco regardless of studying mid-tournament that he’s to face a trial on rape charges in France.
The reigning African footballer of the yr stormed ahead from right-back at each alternative and was in the fitting place to equalise on 39 minutes.
In his last recreation for Haiti, 38-year-old goalkeeper Johny Placide may solely parry Bilal El Khannouss’s strike, and Hakimi had a easy activity to pressure the ball over the road.
Inside 4 minutes, although, Haiti had restored their lead in way more spectacular trend.
Sunderland striker Isidor pounced on a free ball and let fly from outdoors the world with a shot that arrowed into the highest nook.
Hakimi and Ouahbi had been visibly angered by conceding for a second time, however the 2022 World Cup semifinalists responded earlier than half-time.
Saibari stroked dwelling his third objective of the event with a cool end from Hakimi’s low cross.
Brahim Diaz practically gave Morocco a half-time lead when his curling effort shaved the publish to finish an exhilarating first half.
With Brazil cruising to victory over Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew that solely a complete victory would safe them the highest spot in Group C.
Ouahbi started turning his consideration to the final 32, as Bayern Munich-bound Saibari and Actual Madrid’s Diaz had been changed with greater than 20 minutes remaining.
However two of his substitutes got here on to win the sport for Morocco.
Rahimi’s highly effective strike from a nook flew into the highest nook by way of a deflection off a determined Haiti defender.
He then turned supplier by robbing possession on the Haiti byline and crossing for Yassine to roll into an empty internet.
