SOCCER: Morocco earn comeback win over Haiti to reach last 32 as group runners-up

ATLANTA — Morocco secured a place in the Round of 32 at the World Cup after a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti on Wednesday, in a match that featured six goals and multiple lead changes.

The result leaves Morocco level on seven points with group leaders Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0, but the African side finished second on goal difference. Morocco will now face the Group F winner—either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden—in the knockout stage on Monday.

Haiti, already eliminated after their second group match, struck first through an own goal after sustained early pressure. Morocco responded in the 39th minute when Achraf Hakimi leveled the score, but Haiti quickly regained the lead just minutes later with a powerful strike from Wilson Isidor. Ismael Saibari then brought Morocco level again before halftime, continuing his strong scoring run in the tournament.

The turning point came late in the second half. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead in the 78th minute after Haiti failed to clear a corner, finishing from close range. Teenager Gessime Yassine sealed the win in the final minute, tapping in to make it 4-2 after confusion in the Haitian defense.

Hakimi described the match as chaotic but satisfying, noting Morocco’s determination to advance despite the challenge. “It was a wild game, but we’re happy to qualify,” he said, adding that Haiti made them work hard throughout.

Haiti, playing for pride, showed resilience despite becoming the first team eliminated from the expanded 48-team tournament. Coach Sébastien Migné praised his side’s effort, saying he hoped they had given supporters something to enjoy and vowed the team would continue rebuilding toward the next World Cup cycle.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged his team’s uneven performance but said their second-half push made the difference, as they created enough chances to secure the comeback victory and progression. -Additional reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Ed Osmond and Ken Ferris/Reuters