A breathtaking first half: Morocco-Haiti 2-2

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, group leaders Morocco faced an eliminated Haiti, and a breathtaking first half ended 2-2. Clear favourites on paper and taking the field to cement their lead, Morocco unexpectedly came up against a resilient Haiti side and ended the half with the goals shared.

Ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings, Morocco began the game with a star-studded side, aiming to apply attacking pressure with names like captain Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss and forward Ayoub El Kaabi. But Haiti, 84th, both stood firm in defence and took their chances to put goals on the board. The first half was a fast, hard-fought 45 minutes in which both teams enjoyed scoring.

The match stats also back up this balanced contest. In the first half both teams produced similar values on expected goals (xG) and chance creation. In particular, Haiti finding the Morocco net despite the gap in strength on paper created a surprising picture for the run of play. While there were moments where individual quality stood out for Morocco, the organisation of Haiti's defence and their counter-attacking threat were the main elements troubling the favourites.

The second half carries different meanings for both teams. For Morocco, who want to finish top of the group, finding another goal and winning the game will be the priority; Morocco, one of Africa's strongest sides and a semi-finalist at the last World Cup, are expected to translate their squad quality onto the pitch in the second half. Haiti, eliminated but chasing an honourable farewell, aim to turn this surprise resistance into a win or a draw. The 2-2 first-half scoreline points to a goal-filled, exciting contest for the second 45 minutes too.

Image: Yahoo Sports