2026 World Cup: Morocco books its ticket to the round of 16 despite heroic Haitian resistance
The Lions of the Atlas are through. At the end of a hard-fought and lively match against Haiti (4-2), Morocco secured the essentials this Wednesday in Atlanta: a victory and a place in the round of 32 of this 2026 World Cup. A well-deserved qualification, achieved with character, even though the path was much more winding than expected.
El Hadji Malick SARR · Author profile ·
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A roller-coaster scenario
Mohamed Ouahbi and his men experienced an evening full of twists and turns. Caught off guard by the Grenadiers, who were already eliminated, the Lions de l’Atlas conceded the opening goal as early as the 10th minute before coming from behind twice. It was Hakimi who brought his team level (39'), before Saibari answered Isidor’s stunner to send them to the locker room on an improbable yet electric 2-2 scoreline.
Moroccan class at the end of the match
In the second half, Morocco took control without being able to capitalize, until that magnificent free kick from Soufiane Rahimi finally gave the Lions de l’Atlas the lead (78'). Yassine then sealed the score in the final minutes (89', 4-2), delivering a final result befitting the Moroccans’ overall superiority.
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Second, but qualified
Brazil, comfortable winners against Scotland (3-0), finish top of Group C with a better goal difference. Morocco, for their part, move on to the Round of 16 as runners-up. The main thing is done. The Lions de l’Atlas continue their American adventure and once again confirm their status as the best African nation at the moment.