Morocco qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Africa, making them the first African nation to do so from CAF.
Morocco’s easy 5-0 victory over 10-man Niger in Rabat made them the first African country to earn a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After Tanzania was only able to draw 1-1 in Congo-Brazzaville earlier on Friday, the Atlas Lions, who made history by making it to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, knew that three points would be sufficient to advance from Group E with two games remaining.
Ismael Saibari opened the score three minutes after Youssef Belammari’s cross was converted by Abdoul-Latif Goumey of Niger, who was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 26th minute.
Ayoub El Kaabi scooped the third goal early in the second half from another accurate Belammari throw, and Saibari extended the lead before halftime when he tapped in a low ball from Achraf Hakimi.
Azzedine Ounahi finished the rout with a curling effort, while former Rangers striker Hamza Igamane scored his first goal for his country from a well-executed corner routine after coming off the bench.
The first game was played in the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in January and be utilised when the country co-hosts the 2030 World Cup. It turned out to be a great evening for Morocco.
The four best-placed runners-up will advance to the play-offs for a spot at an intercontinental tournament, and eight additional group winners in African qualifying will undoubtedly join the Atlas Lions at the 2026 championships.
Following a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia thanks to penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Egypt is almost guaranteed a spot in the competition.
In the first half, Manchester City’s Marmoush scored from 12 yards out in stoppage time after a second spot kick was given for handball, while Liverpool star Salah opened the scoring four minutes before halftime in Cairo after Trezeguet was tripped in the area.
With a five-point lead in Group A, the Pharaohs are aware that a victory on the road against their nearest rivals, Burkina Faso, on Tuesday would mark their first World Cup appearance since 2018.
Earlier on Friday, Burkina Faso and DR Congo both had goals from Dango Ouattara and Yoane Wissa, respectively.