Morocco seize control in second half after tight first; Haiti exit with three straight losses in World Cup debut

[AP/Newsis]
[AP/Newsis]

Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 Thursday to advance to the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The result came in Morocco's third Group C match, played at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Haiti took the lead in the 10th minute when Morocco goalkeeper Bono put the ball into his own net. Defender Achraf Hakimi equalized for Morocco in the 39th minute, but Haitian midfielder Isidore restored Haiti's advantage four minutes later. Morocco midfielder Saibari leveled again in first-half stoppage time to send both teams into the break at 2-2.

Morocco took control after the interval. Forward Rahimi put them ahead with a go-ahead goal, and Yassine added a clincher just before the final whistle to seal the 4-2 win.

With the win, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil to reach the round of 32 — a measure of redemption for a side that finished fourth at the previous World Cup. Haiti, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, fought hard against Morocco but were eliminated after losing all three group-stage matches.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com