Morocco aim to seal knockout spot against already-eliminated Haiti in Group C. Can the Atlas Lions capitalise on their unbeaten run?
Summary
Morocco face Haiti in a pivotal Group C encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions sit second in the group with four points from two matches, following a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 1-1 draw with Brazil. A victory would almost certainly secure their place in the Round of 16. Haiti, meanwhile, have lost both their opening games – 0-3 to Brazil and 0-1 to Scotland – and are already eliminated. They play for pride and a first World Cup point.
This match is a classic David vs Goliath scenario. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, have continued their upward trajectory under coach Walid Regragui. Haiti, making only their second World Cup appearance, have struggled to adapt to the top level. However, football has a history of surprises, and the Caribbean side will hope to spoil Morocco's party.
Team News & Form
Morocco have no major injury concerns. Captain Romain Saïss and midfield lynchpin Sofyan Amrabat are expected to start. The attack will likely be led by Youssef En-Nesyri, with Hakim Ziyech providing creativity from the right. Regragui may rotate slightly to keep players fresh for the knockout stages, but the core remains strong. Recent form: W1-0 vs Scotland, D1-1 vs Brazil.
Haiti are without suspended defender Carlens Arcus after his red card against Scotland. Coach Jean-Jacques Pierre will rely on experienced forward Duckens Nazon and midfielder Bryan Alceus. The defense, which has conceded four goals in two games, must be more compact. Recent form: L0-3 vs Brazil, L0-1 vs Scotland.
Key Players
Morocco: Hakim Ziyech – The Chelsea winger has been Morocco's creative spark. His set-piece delivery and ability to cut inside from the right will be crucial against a deep-lying Haiti defense. Ziyech scored the winner against Scotland and will look to add to his tally.
Haiti: Duckens Nazon – The forward, who plays in Ligue 2 with Caen, is Haiti's main goal threat. He has the pace and strength to trouble Morocco's backline, but he needs better service from midfield. Nazon's work rate could be key to winning set pieces.
Predicted Lineups
Morocco (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saïss (c), Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.
Haiti (4-4-2): Placide; Jean, Désiré, Jérôme, Lambese; Alceus, Etienne, Antoine, Pierrot; Nazon, Cantave.
Key Battles
Hakimi vs. Pierrot: Morocco's flying right-back Achraf Hakimi will push high, leaving space behind. Haiti's left winger Pierrot must track back but also exploit the gaps on the counter. A disciplined performance from Pierrot could limit Hakimi's influence.
Amrabat vs. Alceus: The midfield battle will be pivotal. Amrabat's ball-winning and distribution set Morocco's tempo. Alceus, Haiti's most creative midfielder, needs to bypass him to supply the forwards. If Amrabat dominates, Haiti will struggle to build attacks.
Head-to-Head
These sides have never met in a competitive fixture. The only previous encounter was a friendly in 2014, which Morocco won 4-0. That result underlines the gulf in quality, but Haiti have improved since then, notably reaching the 2023 Gold Cup semi-finals.
Score Prediction
Morocco are far superior and will control possession. Haiti's defense has been porous, and Morocco's attacking trio should have too much quality. Expect a comfortable win for the Atlas Lions. Prediction: Morocco 3-0 Haiti
Where to Watch
Live coverage in the UK is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In the US, the match airs on Fox Sports and Telemundo. Kickoff is at 22:00 UTC on 24 June 2026.
