Despite losing the World Cup scoreless for the first time since 1974, Haiti led twice against 2022 semifinalist Morocco.
Published June 25, 2026
Morocco overcame the shock of conceding twice to Haiti to win 4-2 in a thrilling World Cup match in Atlanta, but lost to Brazil and missed out on the top spot in Group C.
Haiti took the lead on Wednesday with an own goal from Yassin Bounou and two stunning goals from Wilson Isidore before being eliminated on their first World Cup goal in 52 years.
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Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari scored their third goals of the World Cup match, leveling the score before half-time.
Sufian Rahimi was close to tears when the 30-year-old’s deflected shot found the top corner to give Morocco the lead, before Guessim Yassin added another.
However, Morocco missed out on finishing top of the group with Brazil on goal difference and will travel to Monterrey, likely to face the Netherlands or Japan on Monday.
Despite losing without a goal, Haiti’s performance in its first World Cup since 1974 gave the poverty-stricken nation a sense of pride.
Les Grenadiers had already been eliminated after losses to Scotland and Brazil, but the thousands of Haitian expatriates in the stands in Atlanta remained undaunted, with each attack followed by deafening cheers.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabi made four changes to his team, which had a strong showing in the opening two games by holding off Brazil and defeating Scotland, and the Atlas Lions got off to a sluggish start.
Haiti’s long wait for a goal on the world stage ended in just 10 minutes. Jean-Kevin Duverne reached the goal line and his cross was deflected into the goal by Leni Joseph from Bounow.
Hakimi continued to captain Morocco despite learning during the tournament that he was facing trial for rape in France.
The reigning African footballer of the year darted forward from right-back at every opportunity and was in the perfect position to equalize in the 39th minute.
In his final game for Haiti, 38-year-old goalkeeper Johnny Placido could only fend off an attack from Bilal El Cannous, leaving Hakimi with the simple task of forcing the ball over the line.
However, within four minutes, Haiti had regained the lead in a much more impressive manner.
Sunderland striker Isidore pounced on the loose ball, fired a shot from outside the area and arrowed it into the top corner of the goal.
Hakimi and Ouabi were clearly furious after conceding the second goal, but the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists fought back before half-time.
Saibari calmly scored Hakimi’s low cross and scored his third goal of the tournament.
Brahim Dias almost gave Morocco the lead at half-time, but his curling shot went just off the post to end a thrilling first half.
With Brazil scheduled to win against Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew that only a comprehensive victory could secure them the top spot in Group C.
With Bayern Munich’s Saibari and Real Madrid’s Dias being substituted with over 20 minutes remaining, Ouabi began to focus on making it to the last 32.
However, two players who came on as substitutes gave Morocco the victory.
Rahimi’s powerful shot from a corner deflected off a desperate Haitian defender and into the top corner of the goal.
He then turned provider as he won the ball on the Haitian boundary and crossed for Yassin to roll into the empty goal.
