Atlas Lions face Les Grenadiers in high-stakes Group C clash in Atlanta
Line-ups 🇲🇦 MAR 4-2-3-1 🇭🇹 HAI 4-4-1-1
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Starting XI
- 1 Yassine Bounou G
- 2 Achraf Hakimi D
- 25 Redouane Halhal D
- 18 Chadi Riad D
- 26 Anass Salah-Eddine D
- 4 Sofyan Amrabat M
- 24 Neil El Aynaoui M
- 10 Brahim Díaz M
- 11 Ismael Saibari M
- 23 Bilal El Khannouss M
- 20 Ayoub El Kaabi F
Substitutes
- 12 Munir El Kajoui G
- 22 Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti G
- 3 Noussair Mazraoui D
- 5 Marwane Saâdane D
- 13 Zakaria El Ouahdi D
- 14 Issa Diop D
- 19 Youssef Belammari D
- 6 Ayyoub Bouaddi M
- 7 Chemsdine Talbi F
- 8 Azzedine Ounahi M
- 15 Samir El Mourabet M
- 16 Gessime Yassine F
- 17 Amine Sbaï F
- 9 Soufiane Rahimi F
- 21 Ayoube Amaimouni F
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Starting XI
- 1 Johny Placide G
- 22 Jean-Kévin Duverne D
- 4 Ricardo Adé D
- 5 Hannes Delcroix D
- 8 Martin Expérience D
- 21 Josué Casimir M
- 17 Danley Jean Jacques M
- 10 Jean-Ricner Bellegarde M
- 15 Ruben Providence M
- 18 Wilson Isidor F
- 16 Lenny Joseph F
Substitutes
- 11 Louicius Deedson F
- 9 Duckens Nazon F
- 12 Alexandre Pierre G
- 23 Josué Duverger G
- 2 Carlens Arcus D
- 3 Keeto Thermoncy D
- 14 Garven Metusala D
- 13 Duke Lacroix D
- 6 Carl Sainté M
- 24 Wilguens Paugain D
- 26 Woodensky Pierre M
- 25 Dominique Simon M
- 7 Derrick Etienne Jr. F
- 20 Frantzdy Pierrot F
- 19 Yassin Fortuné F
Morocco enters this fixture with the clinical efficiency of a side that swept through qualifying, anchored by the tactical discipline instilled by Mohamed Ouahbi. Having established themselves as a formidable global force during their 2022 odyssey, the Atlas Lions rely on fluid transitions and the unmatched overlapping brilliance of Achraf Hakimi to dissect opponents. For them, this match is about cementing their status as tournament contenders rather than mere dark horses.
Haiti arrives at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium carrying the weight of a half-century wait, eager to register their first points on the global stage under Sébastien Migné. Les Grenadiers have faced a difficult opening to the tournament, but their ability to leverage Frantzdy Pierrot’s aerial prowess and physical presence remains a constant threat. They will likely look to congest the midfield and launch counter-attacks to disrupt the rhythm of the African giants.
Head to head
These two nations have rarely crossed paths on the senior international stage, making this a historic meeting of footballing cultures. While Morocco arrives with the momentum of recent deep World Cup runs, Haiti brings a resilient spirit and deep pride as the first independent Black republic, marking their long-awaited return to the pinnacle of the sport after an absence of five decades.
Players to watch
The dynamic fullback is the engine of the Moroccan attack, providing elite delivery and tactical intelligence down the right flank.
His physical dominance and ability to hold up play are essential if Haiti is to relieve pressure and find the back of the net.
A clinical finisher who thrives in the penalty area, El Kaabi remains the primary target for Morocco’s creative midfield unit.
As Haiti’s record goalscorer, his composure in the final third is critical for an underdog side that needs to maximize every limited opportunity.
Fun facts
- The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta features a unique retractable roof design that mimics the aperture of a camera.
- Morocco was the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, achieving the feat at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
- Haiti famously qualified for the 1974 World Cup, where they shocked the world by scoring against Italy, ending Dino Zoff's record-breaking run of clean sheets.
- Atlanta is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, providing a vibrant, multicultural backdrop for this transatlantic encounter.
- Morocco’s national team is colloquially known as the Atlas Lions, named after a subspecies of lion that once inhabited the Atlas Mountains.