The Atlas Lions of Morocco and Bafana Bafana of South Africa both progressed to the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following victories of Haiti and South Korea respectively.
While Morocco enforced their superiority over Haiti with a 4-2 win in Group C, South Africa piped South Korea 1-0 to claim a knockout place from the brink of elimination, reports Daily Trust.
For Morocco, a second half resurgence saved Africa’s top-seeded nation that came from behind twice in the first half thanks to an excellent strike from Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari’s third goal of the tournament.
Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored late goals to seal victory as Morocco reached the knockout phase in consecutive World Cups. They will face the winners of Group F in the first knockout round.
South Africa, on the other hand, have a date with Canada in the round of 32 after Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd minute goal sealed a win that confirmed Hugo Broos’ side as runners up in Group A and secure their first ever progress into the knockout round.
Canada had lost 2-1 to Switzerland to also finish runners up to set up the clash South Africa would fancy for progress into the round of 16.
In other matches, co-hosts Mexico scored all goals in the second half to whip Czech Republic 3-0 and top Group A, and Brazil also defeated Scotland by same scoreline to claim top spot in Group C ahead of Morocco on superior goals difference as both sides finished with seven points.
Korea Republic, Scotland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina who defeated Qatar 3-1 await the possibility of progress as one of eight best third-placed nations.
However, Czech Republic, Qatar, and Haiti placed last in their respective groups and are out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
RESULTS
Morocco 4-2 Haiti
Scotland 0-3 Brazil
South Africa 1-0 South Korea
Czech Republic 0-3 Mexico
Switzerland 2-1 Canada
Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1 Qatar
