Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, overcoming an early own goal from Yassine Bounou (10′) before second-half strikes from substitute Soufiane Rahimi (78′) and Gessime Yassine (89′) secured the result in Atlanta.
For long spells, this looked far more uncomfortable for Morocco than the final score suggests. Haiti, still chasing a first-ever World Cup point, took a surprise lead when Bounou turned the ball into his own net in the 10th minute. That setback gave the Caribbean side belief, and Morocco had to be patient despite controlling possession and pinning Haiti deep for much of the evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Walid Regragui’s side eventually found a route back into the match through sustained pressure. Achraf Hakimi brought Morocco level in the 39th minute, finishing off a move that reflected the home side’s territorial dominance. Yet the response from Haiti was immediate and impressive. Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s lead in the 43rd minute, punishing Morocco just as the momentum appeared to have fully shifted.
The key moment before the interval arrived in first-half stoppage time. Ismael Saibari made it 2-2 at 45’+1′, ensuring Morocco went into the break level rather than facing a tense chase deep into the second half. It was a crucial equaliser in both tactical and psychological terms, especially after a first period in which Morocco had seen plenty of the ball but remained vulnerable whenever Haiti found space to break.
The second half was more in line with what Morocco wanted. They monopolised possession, worked the ball wide, and repeatedly asked questions of Haiti’s back line. The numbers underline that control: Morocco finished with 69 percent possession, 22 total shots, 11 efforts on target and nine corners, compared with Haiti’s nine shots and one corner. Haiti stayed compact and committed, but the pressure continued to build.
The turning point finally came from the bench. Soufiane Rahimi, introduced to change the tempo in the final third, put Morocco ahead in the 78th minute with the goal that tilted the match decisively in their favour. Haiti’s resistance began to fade under the weight of repeated attacks, and another substitute, Gessime Yassine, added the fourth in the 89th minute to complete the rally and remove any late doubt.
Key performers
Rahimi and Yassine will grab the headlines for their second-half impact, with goals in the 78th and 89th minutes respectively, but Hakimi’s 39th-minute equaliser was equally important in settling Morocco after a difficult opening. Saibari also made a major contribution with his 45’+1′ goal, a strike that prevented Haiti from taking a lead into the interval.
For Haiti, Isidor’s 43rd-minute goal was the standout attacking moment, while the side as a whole deserved credit for the discipline and conviction it showed during a lively first half. Even as Morocco took control territorially, Haiti remained competitive for more than an hour and asked real questions of one of the stronger sides in the group.
NerdSports Stat: Morocco scored 50 percent of their goals after the 77th minute, and both of those decisive late strikes came from substitutes despite the team already leading the shot count 22-9.
This result keeps Morocco moving in Group C at 2-1-0 and strengthens their path toward the knockout stage, while Haiti’s 0-0-3 record means their hopes are over after a spirited but ultimately unrewarded display. Morocco will now look to carry their attacking control into the next fixture, while Haiti can still aim to finish their tournament with a statement performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yassine Bounou own goal (10′) for Haiti, Achraf Hakimi (39′) for Morocco, Wilson Isidor (43′) for Haiti, Ismael Saibari (45’+1′) for Morocco, Soufiane Rahimi (78′) for Morocco, and Gessime Yassine (89′) for Morocco.
Morocco 4 – 2 Haiti.
Morocco improved to 2-1-0 in Group C and boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage, while Haiti fell to 0-0-3 and were eliminated.
Soufiane Rahimi was the standout performer with the 78th-minute go-ahead goal after coming off the bench and helping change the direction of the second half.
