Morocco is the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after crushing Niger Republic 5-0 in Rabat on Friday night.
The Atlas Lions needed only a win to seal their place. Tanzania’s earlier 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville had opened the door. Morocco grabbed it in style, with two games still left to play.
Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey received a red card in the 26th minute after two quick bookings. Three minutes later, Ismael Saibari tucked home Youssef Belammari’s cross for the opener.
Saibari doubled the lead before the break, connecting with a low ball from Achraf Hakimi. Ayoub El Kaabi scored the third just after halftime from another Belammari assist.
Hamza Igamane, once with Rangers in Scotland, came off the bench to grab his first international goal. Azzedine Ounahi finished the scoring with a curling strike, sealing a flawless night for the Lions.
A Night of Milestones
The match was Morocco’s first at the newly redeveloped Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The venue will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and feature again when Morocco co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
Morocco’s qualification continues their impressive rise after reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022. They now top Group E with maximum points from six matches, already beyond the reach of their rivals.
“Morocco will blossom again on the global stage. We are ready for 2026,” a senior federation official told Moroccan state television after the game.
Other Teams Closing In
Elsewhere in Africa, Egypt are almost there. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush scored two penalties in a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in Cairo. The Pharaohs now hold a five-point lead in Group A.
Victory against Burkina Faso on Tuesday would confirm their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
Globally, at least 17 teams have secured their tickets. In South America, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay all joined Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador.
Co-hosts USA, Mexico, and Canada already qualified automatically. In Asia, Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, New Zealand, and Australia have all booked their places.
Africa now has its first flagbearer. Morocco will carry the continent’s hopes again, aiming to match — or even surpass — their fairytale run in Qatar.
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