World Cup 2026: Rotated Morocco Side Fights Back to Beat Haiti 4-2 and Make History

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Morocco came from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 in their final Group C match on Tuesday, securing qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage and setting a new record for the most World Cup victories by an African nation.

With qualification still on the line, Morocco opted to make several changes to their starting lineup. However, the Atlas Lions found themselves under pressure against a determined Haitian side that refused to make life easy for the North Africans.

Haiti made the brighter start and took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, who brought his side level before Haiti struck again.

Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s advantage with a sensational long-range effort from more than 40 metres out, stunning the Moroccan defence and putting the Caribbean side back in front.

Morocco once again found a response. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ismael Saibari made it 2-2 with a well-taken finish. The goal was historic, as Saibari became the first African player to score in all three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions returned from the break with greater urgency and eventually completed the comeback. Soufiane Rahimi gave Morocco the lead for the first time in the contest, capping another impressive attacking move to put his side 3-2 ahead.

Haiti continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, but Morocco managed the closing stages effectively. In stoppage time, Gessime Yassine put the result beyond doubt, scoring in the 90+1st minute to seal a dramatic 4-2 victory.

The result, coupled with Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, saw both Morocco and Brazil finish Group C on seven points. Brazil advanced as group winners, while Morocco qualified for the Round of 32 as runners-up.

Beyond qualification, the victory carried added significance for the Atlas Lions. It was Morocco’s seventh FIFA World Cup win, the highest number ever achieved by an African nation in the history of the competition.

Despite fielding a heavily changed side, Morocco showed remarkable squad depth, resilience and attacking quality to overcome adversity and continue their impressive World Cup campaign. The Atlas Lions now head into the knockout stage full of confidence as they look to extend their stay at the tournament.