First-half drama in Atlanta
The World Cup 2026 Group C match between Morocco and Haiti in Atlanta saw an eventful first half, with both teams finding the net multiple times. The game kicked off with a somewhat scrappy start, as Morocco held the majority of possession but initially struggled to create clear chances. Haiti, conversely, focused on pressing the AFCON champions and closing down their play.
The first goal of the match came in the 10th minute, with Haiti taking a sensational lead. A cross from Duverne on the right wing evaded the goalkeeper, allowing Lenny Joseph to score with a back-flick. This early goal ignited the Haitian fans in the stands. Before this, Haiti had their first attempt on goal from a free-kick, with Bellagard striking from approximately 30 yards, though the effort flew narrowly over the crossbar.
Morocco responded to Haiti‘s opener by pressing forward. Achraf Hakimi initiated an attack from right-back, leading to an overload in Haiti‘s penalty area, but Haiti managed to clear the ball. Haiti‘s number 16, Joseph, demonstrated his skill and strength, breaking through the Moroccan defence, but his shot went over the crossbar.
The game continued with high intensity, and Morocco nearly equalised in the 27th minute, but Placide in the Haiti goal made a brilliant double-save, first denying Hakimi and then making another save to stop El Kaabi. However, Morocco eventually found their equaliser in the 33rd minute. A crossfield pass from Diaz reached El Khannouss, whose cross was parried by Placide. Hakimi was quick to react, stabbing the loose ball home from close range to level the score.
Haiti quickly regained their lead in the 39th minute with a spectacular goal from Wilson Isidor. After a half-cleared cross, Isidor took a touch and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, described as one of the goals of the tournament. The lead was short-lived, however, as Morocco equalised again in the 43rd minute. A sweeping move down the right flank saw Hakimi cut the ball back for I. Saibari, who tucked it into the bottom corner, making the score 2-2.
Group C implications and team form
This match marks the first competitive encounter between Morocco and Haiti. Morocco entered the World Cup as the reigning AFCON champions and semi-finalists from the previous World Cup, giving them significant tournament experience. Haiti, on the other hand, is making its first World Cup appearance since 1974 and is still seeking its first point in the tournament.
Heading into this fixture, Morocco had accumulated four points from their first two group matches. They had drawn 1-1 with Brazil and secured a 1-0 victory over Scotland. Their form leading up to the tournament included three wins and two draws in their last five matches, conceding only two goals. This run included victories of 4-0 against Madagascar and 5-0 against Burundi, along with a 1-1 friendly draw against Norway.
Haiti‘s recent form has been more challenging, with one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five matches. Their most recent results included a 3-0 defeat to Brazil and a 1-0 loss to Scotland in the World Cup. Prior to the tournament, they experienced a 1-2 friendly defeat to Peru, a 4-0 win against New Zealand, and a 1-1 draw with Iceland. Despite their struggles, Haiti showed resilience, avoiding a heavy defeat against Brazil after conceding early first-half mistakes.
In Group C standings before this match, Brazil topped the group and was set to progress as group winners with a victory over Scotland. Morocco, also with four points, needed to defeat Haiti and surpass Brazil‘s goal difference to claim the top spot. Scotland, with three points, aimed for at least a draw against Brazil to secure progression, potentially as a third-placed side.
Morocco‘s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, faced a decision regarding squad rotation for this final group game, considering their strong defensive record of conceding only four goals in their last 11 international matches over 90 minutes. Haiti‘s coach, Sebastien Migne, was expected to give more squad players an opportunity, aiming to secure the team’s first World Cup point. The match took place on Wednesday, June 24, with a kick-off time of 11pm BST at the Atlanta Stadium.
Source: tntsports.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”