Morocco become first African team to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African team to do so after a comfortable 5-0 victory over 10-man Niger in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions, who famously reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, needed just three points to seal qualification from Group E.

Their path was eased earlier on Friday when Tanzania were held to a 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville, leaving Morocco with two games to spare.

Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 26th minute and that gave way for the rain of goals.

Ismael Saibari scored a brace while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi all also registered their names on the scoresheet.

Eight more group winners in African qualifying are guaranteed to join the Atlas Lions at the 2026 finals, with the four best-placed runners-up entering play-offs for a slot at an intercontinental tournament.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are still in the race for a ticket, with South Africa leading the Group C on 16 points from seven games so far. The Super Eagles will face Rwanda on Saturday.