World Cup 2026: Sofiane Rahimi responds to critics with top Morocco display against Haiti

Sofiane Rahimi delivered an emotional response to growing criticism surrounding his place in the Morocco national team after playing a decisive role in the Atlas Lions’ dramatic 4-2 victory over Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced forward came off the bench during one of Morocco’s most difficult moments of the tournament and transformed the match, scoring the crucial go-ahead goal before assisting another as Morocco secured qualification to the Round of 32 as group runners-up.

After finding the net, Rahimi dropped to the ground in tears before being embraced by teammates in a powerful moment that reflected the pressure surrounding him in recent months.

Rahimi Changes the Game for Morocco

Morocco entered the latter stages of the contest unexpectedly level at 2-2 against a Haiti side already eliminated from the tournament. With tension beginning to rise and qualification still hanging in the balance, head coach Mohammed Ouahbi introduced Rahimi in search of inspiration.

The decision proved decisive.

Just eight minutes after coming on, the Al-Ain forward reacted quickest to a flick-on inside the area before firing Morocco into the lead in the 78th minute. He later provided the assist for Morocco’s fourth goal, helping finally put the contest beyond Haiti’s reach.

His impact immediately changed the atmosphere around the match and rescued Morocco during a night that had become increasingly uncomfortable.

Criticism Followed Rahimi Into the Tournament

Despite his achievements for club and country, Rahimi has remained one of the most debated figures within the Moroccan national team setup. Questions surrounding his performances resurfaced after substitute appearances against Brazil and Scotland earlier in the tournament, while criticism from sections of supporters continued to focus on his penalty miss against Comoros at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Some criticism even moved beyond football matters, with social media discussions accusing the forward of being overly aggressive during training sessions before major matches.

Rahimi addressed the situation directly after the game.

“There was some criticism and some things far from football, but thank God, Sofiane always responds on the pitch,” the forward said after the match. “I hope to continue giving more to Moroccan football. It’s not easy to earn your place in the Moroccan national team.”

Haiti Push Morocco to the Limit

The emotional nature of Rahimi’s contribution was heightened by the context of the match itself.

Haiti, despite already being eliminated before kickoff, produced one of their strongest performances of the tournament and pushed Morocco throughout the evening. The Caribbean side, competing at their first World Cup since 1974, scored twice and registered their first World Cup goals in 52 years.

Before the game, Haiti coach Sébastien Migné had insisted his players remained determined to leave the tournament with pride, and that mentality was visible from the opening stages as his side continued fighting until the closing minutes.

Even Morocco coach Mohammed Ouahbi later admitted that Haiti had surprised his team with their intensity and resilience.

Another Defining Moment in Rahimi’s Career

For Rahimi, the match against Haiti added another important chapter to a career that has repeatedly been shaped by decisive performances under pressure.

The 30-year-old has consistently answered doubts throughout his journey, whether leading Morocco to an Olympic bronze medal in Paris with eight goals or establishing himself as one of the most effective attacking players in Asian football with Al-Ain.

Against Haiti, he once again delivered when Morocco needed him most.

This time, however, the moment carried an emotional weight that went far beyond football.