Morocco Beats Haiti 4-2 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Morocco came from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 and clinch second place in Group C at the FIFA World Cup. Late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine secured qualification after Haiti produced a spirited performance. Morocco advances to the knockout stage, while Haiti exits the tournament without earning its first World Cup point.

---

Morocco vs Haiti Quick Looks

• Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta.
• Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil.
• Haiti led twice before Morocco rallied.
• Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari each scored to level the match.
• Soufiane Rahimi netted the winning goal in the 78th minute.
• Gessime Yassine sealed victory in the closing moments.
• Haiti scored twice but was eliminated without a point.
• Morocco advances to face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden in the Round of 32.

---

Deep Look

Morocco Overcomes Haiti to Reach FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage

Morocco battled back from two deficits to defeat Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday night, securing second place in Group C and advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.

While Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland ensured the South Americans topped the group, Morocco’s resilient performance guaranteed the 2022 World Cup semifinalists continued their impressive run into the Round of 32.

The victory sets up a knockout meeting with either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.

Haiti Makes Morocco Work

Although Haiti had already been eliminated after losses to Scotland and Brazil, the Caribbean nation delivered one of its most spirited performances of the tournament.

Haiti stunned Morocco in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph’s flicked finish struck goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before crossing the goal line. The effort was officially recorded as an own goal, denying Joseph the chance to become only the second Haitian player to score at a World Cup after Emmanuel Sanon, who scored twice in 1974.

Morocco responded just before halftime.

Achraf Hakimi equalized in the 39th minute after goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to fully stop Brahim Diaz’s shot, allowing Hakimi to bundle home the rebound.

Only minutes later, Haiti reclaimed the lead thanks to a spectacular long-range strike from Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor, who blasted a 25-yard effort into the top corner to send Haitian supporters into celebration.

Morocco answered again before halftime as Ismael Saibari scored his third goal of the tournament after Hakimi set him up with a precise cutback, sending the teams into the break tied 2-2.

Morocco’s Quality Shows Late

The second half saw Morocco dominate possession while Haiti defended bravely behind an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Johny Placide, who made several key saves to keep his team in contention.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute.

Substitute Soufiane Rahimi fired home after his effort deflected off Haiti defender Ricardo Ade, giving Morocco its first lead of the match.

Gessime Yassine completed the comeback in the closing moments after Rahimi brilliantly kept the ball in play along the goal line. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the ball had not crossed out before Yassine converted to make it 4-2.

Passionate Supporters Create Electric Atmosphere

The match featured one of the tournament’s liveliest atmospheres, with thousands of Morocco and Haiti supporters filling the stadium in Atlanta.

Haiti’s fans continued singing and celebrating despite knowing their team had already been eliminated before kickoff. Every save by Placide drew thunderous applause, while Morocco’s supporters responded with equally passionate backing as their side pushed for the victory it needed to advance.

The colorful display in the stands matched an entertaining contest on the field, with both teams contributing to one of the most exciting group-stage matches.

Morocco Builds Momentum

Morocco’s comeback victory continues the nation’s strong World Cup tradition following its historic semifinal run four years ago.

Despite finishing behind Brazil in Group C, the Atlas Lions head into the knockout stage with confidence after displaying resilience, attacking depth and the ability to respond under pressure.

For Haiti, the tournament ends without a point, but the team doubled its all-time World Cup goal tally and earned praise for an energetic performance against one of Africa’s top football nations.

More on Sports