Morocco come from behind twice to win a six-goal Atlanta thriller

Morocco booked their place in the Round of 32 with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, recovering from a deficit on two separate occasions to finish as Group C runners-up. In a match that swung wildly, Haiti twice led, but the 2022 semi-finalists' superior quality and depth eventually told, with substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine decisive in the closing stages. Achraf Hakimi and Abde Saïbari had earlier hauled Morocco level, and an expected-goals tally of 3.26 to 0.66 reflected the chance-creation dominance that ultimately overwhelmed a brave Haitian side.

For Haiti, appearing at a first World Cup since 1974, there was honour in defeat. They scored twice and troubled one of Africa's strongest nations, but a third group-stage loss confirms their elimination. Morocco, by contrast, march on, their resilience a notable feature of a campaign that now turns to the knockout rounds.

Match summary: a Mercedes-Benz Stadium rollercoaster

Haiti stunned Morocco midway through the first half when L. Joseph's audacious back-heel was turned into the net off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, an own goal that nonetheless marked Haiti's first World Cup goal since Emmanuel Sanon in 1974. Hakimi restored parity in the 39th minute, bundling the ball over the line for 1-1. The drama intensified before the break: Haiti's Isidor produced a moment of brilliance in the 43rd minute, lashing a strike from outside the box into the top corner — a candidate for goal of the tournament — to lead 2-1, only for Saïbari to level in first-half stoppage time, converting Hakimi's assist for 2-2. After the interval Morocco's depth told. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi struck in the 78th minute, his deflected effort edging Morocco ahead, before fellow substitute Yassine sealed it in the 89th, finishing from Rahimi's pass for 4-2.

Resilient Morocco show their semi-final pedigree

This was a performance that spoke to Morocco's standing as one of the international game's rising forces. Semi-finalists in 2022, they responded to adversity with the composure of a side that expects to win. The impact of Rahimi and Yassine from the bench underlined the depth at the coach's disposal, while Hakimi's leadership — a goal and an assist — was central to the comeback. The xG gulf of 3.26 to 0.66 confirms that, for all Haiti's spirit and their two fine goals, Morocco were the dominant side and deserved their victory.

Group C runners-up: Morocco to face a Group F heavyweight

Morocco's win secures second place in Group C behind Brazil, sending them into a Round of 32 meeting with the runner-up from Group F, a section the Netherlands have headed. Scotland's heavy defeat to Brazil leaves them third and dependent on the best-third-placed standings, while Haiti finish bottom and bow out. For Morocco, the reward for their fightback is a continued march through a tournament in which they have already shown they can trouble anyone; the knockout rounds now beckon for a side carrying genuine ambition.