Morocco first African side to seal 2026 World Cup place

The race for the 2026 World Cup is beginning to take shape, and in Africa, Morocco have become the first nation from the continent to book their ticket after thrashing Niger 5-0 to complete a flawless qualifying campaign.

The Atlas Lions were dominant throughout Group E, winning every match with an impressive tally of 19 goals scored and just two conceded. Their emphatic win over Niger at home confirmed qualification beyond doubt, with Ismael Saibari netting twice, Ayoub Kaabi, Azzedine Ounahi and Hamza Igamane also on the scoresheet.

This achievement marks a new milestone for Morocco, who will appear at a third consecutive World Cup for the first time in their history. It also moves them up the list of Africa’s most regular qualifiers, now second only to Cameroon in overall appearances.

Group rivals Tanzania, Niger and Zambia remain in the hunt for a play-off spot, but none can catch Morocco at the summit. Elsewhere across the African qualifiers, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria and Tunisia are all on course to secure their own places in the finals.

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