Morocco has etched its name in the history books once again by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions sealed their place at the tournament after a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger Republic in Rabat on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The match proved to be a one-sided affair, largely influenced by an early red card. Niger’s Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off in the first half, leaving his side with ten men against one of Africa’s most formidable teams. Morocco took full advantage, with Ismael Saibari firing a brace before halftime. In the second half, Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi all found the back of the net to complete the emphatic win.
This result marked Morocco’s sixth consecutive victory in the qualifiers, pushing them to 18 points—eight clear of second-placed Tanzania. With two games still left to play, the Atlas Lions’ qualification is already mathematically secured. The 2026 edition will be their seventh World Cup appearance.
Building on Qatar 2022 Legacy
For Morocco, this qualification is more than just a routine accomplishment—it is a continuation of the momentum from their groundbreaking run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That campaign saw them become the first African nation to ever reach the semi-finals, defeating football giants Spain and Portugal before bowing out 2-0 to France.
Only Azzedine Ounahi, one of the scorers against Niger, featured in that historic 2022 squad. Coach Walid Regragui has since infused the team with fresh talent, ensuring a dynamic mix of experience and youth. PSV Eindhoven’s Ismael Saibari, who bagged two goals in the Niger clash, has emerged as one of the new faces to watch heading into 2026.
With qualification secured, Morocco now turns its attention to preparing a team capable of replicating—or even surpassing—that remarkable semi-final achievement.
Elsewhere in African Qualifiers
While Morocco celebrated their early qualification, the race for Africa’s other slots remains fiercely contested across the continent.
In Cairo, Egypt strengthened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia. Both goals came from the penalty spot, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converting late in the first half. A victory against Burkina Faso on Tuesday would secure the Pharaohs a place at the World Cup alongside Morocco.
Group B witnessed fireworks as Newcastle United’s summer signing Yoane Wissa scored for the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 4-1 win over South Sudan in Juba. Cedric Bakambu struck twice to keep DR Congo at the top of the table. However, Senegal remain close behind, just one point adrift, after goals from captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Pape Matar Sarr sealed a 2-0 win over Sudan in Diamniadio.
In Group C, South Africa consolidated their lead with a 3-0 victory over neighbours Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis were on target. Yet, the joy was tempered by injuries to defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane, potentially affecting their highly anticipated showdown against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Benin secured a narrow 1-0 win over Zimbabwe courtesy of Steve Mounie’s strike, while Gambia stunned Kenya 3-1 in Nairobi. Brighton youngster Yankuba Minteh scored to underline his growing reputation on the international stage.
Guinea also recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Somalia, with Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy netting his first-ever World Cup qualifying goal. However, their hopes of progression remain slim, as they sit eight points behind Group G leaders Algeria.
Looking ahead, reigning African champions Ivory Coast face a pivotal clash against Gabon on Tuesday, September 9. That fixture could prove decisive in determining the Group F winner and another potential qualifier for the 2026 finals.
A Statement of Intent
Morocco’s early qualification sends a strong message to the rest of the footballing world. The Atlas Lions have proven that their historic success in Qatar was no fluke, but the result of a long-term strategy, squad depth, and tactical brilliance. With their ticket already booked for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco will now have ample time to fine-tune their preparations.
Fans across Africa will be eager to see whether the Atlas Lions can once again carry the continent’s hopes on their shoulders and push even further on the global stage.
