Morocco out for top spot: against eliminated Haiti

In the final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C match, Morocco face already-eliminated Haiti at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With four points from their games against Brazil and Scotland, Morocco are all but into the last 32; but for top spot, as well as winning they must overturn the goal-difference gap or rely on Brazil dropping points.

With Brazil holding top spot on goal difference and playing at the same time as Morocco, the Atlas Lions must focus on their own job. Mohamed Ouahbi's side could name the same XI for a third straight game. Ismael Saibari and Brahim Díaz, who have played together in the first two games, will start in attack again; Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi will provide further offensive support. All eyes will again be on 18-year-old Lille phenom Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has put himself in the shop window with impressive displays this summer.

For Haiti, whose fate is already sealed, this final group game is a source of motivation for a first World Cup point in their history and even a first goal at this tournament. Sébastien Migné's side used a back five against Brazil; but with nothing left to lose, they may revert to the 4-4-2 used against South Africa and play more attacking. Wilson Isidor and Frantzdy Pierrot could operate as a front two. Haiti's biggest problem is a lack of cutting edge in attack; they managed just five shots on target and 1.28 xG across the first two games.

Sports Illustrated did not share a clear score prediction for this game, but did name both teams' probable XIs. The two nations have never met before, making this a historic first. Morocco, ranked sixth by FIFA above the likes of Portugal, the Netherlands and Germany, are clear favourites on the pitch.

Probable XIs
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari
Haiti (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Deedson, Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated