Morocco Beat Haiti 4-2 to Reach Knockout Stage

Kathmandu — Morocco have advanced to the Round of 32, the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after overcoming a strong challenge from Haiti. In an exciting Group C encounter played late Wednesday night, Morocco staged a comeback to defeat Haiti 4-2.

Haiti, the Caribbean nation returning to the World Cup after a long gap, put Morocco under pressure by taking the lead twice in the match. Haiti were hoping to earn their first-ever point in World Cup history, but Morocco’s substitutes ultimately ended that dream.

Haiti made a surprising start in the 10th minute after Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou scored an own goal, giving Haiti an early lead. However, star defender Achraf Hakimi equalised for Morocco in the 39th minute to make it 1-1.

In the 43rd minute, Wilson Isidor scored to restore Haiti’s lead at 2-1. But just minutes later, in first-half stoppage time, Ismael Saibari found the net to bring Morocco back level at 2-2 before the break.

Morocco’s substitutes made the difference in the second half. Soufiane Rahimi scored in the 78th minute to give Morocco the lead for the first time in the match at 3-2. In the 89th minute, Jassim Yassine added another goal, sealing a thrilling 4-2 victory for Morocco.

With the win, Morocco finished second in Group C and secured their place in the next round. In the other match from the same group, Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to finish at the top of the group.

Morocco ended the group stage with seven points from three matches. Brazil also had seven points but advanced as group winners on the basis of goal difference, while Morocco progressed as runners-up.