Atlas Lions Rally From Behind to Defeat Haiti and Advance at 2026 World Cup

NewsDesk
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Morocco fought back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat Haiti 4-2 on June 24, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and advance to the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions secured second place in Group C behind Brazil, according to a report from the Emirates News Agency. The result came after Morocco had drawn 1-1 with Brazil and beaten Scotland 1-0 in their opening matches, giving them seven points from the group stage.

The Emirates News Agency reported that Haiti took the lead in the 10th minute through an own goal by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Achraf Hakimi equalized for the North Africans in the 39th minute, yet Wilson Isidor restored the Caribbean side’s advantage four minutes later. Ismael Saibari leveled the score in first-half stoppage time, sending the teams into the break tied at 2-2.

FIFA figures show Morocco seized control after the interval with Soufiane Rahimi finding the net in the 78th minute. Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal in the 89th minute to complete the victory, according to the match summary published by the governing body. The comeback ensured Morocco progressed as one of the first African teams to reach the knockout phase of the tournament.

A FIFA assessment found that the result marked Haiti’s first goals at a World Cup, despite the team finishing the group without a point. The Emirates News Agency noted that Haiti had already been eliminated prior to the fixture following losses to Brazil and Scotland. Morocco’s campaign built on their qualification as winners of their CAF group.

FIFA data places Brazil at the top of Group C after a 3-0 win over Scotland on the same day. The Emirates News Agency highlighted how Morocco’s seven points proved sufficient to advance as runners-up. The match drew significant attention as part of an expanded 48-team tournament hosted across North America.

According to the Emirates News Agency, the encounter featured end-to-end action that entertained the crowd in Atlanta throughout the 90 minutes. Morocco’s squad demonstrated resilience after trailing twice in the contest. Further details on their round-of-32 opponent will emerge once other groups conclude their fixtures.

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Continental Bulletin NewsDesk is the desk responsible for Continental Bulletin's daily news coverage, monitoring and reporting developments across the Gulf from official sources, including national news agencies and government communications. Its focus is accurate, timely and factual coverage of the region.