Morocco became the first African team to book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday.
The Atlas Lions, who memorably reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, needed only three points to confirm qualification from Group E after Tanzania were held 1-1 by Congo-Brazzaville earlier in the day.
Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 26th minute, and Ismael Saibari broke the deadlock three minutes later from Youssef Belammari’s cross. Saibari doubled Morocco’s advantage before halftime, tapping in from Achraf Hakimi’s delivery, before Ayoub El Kaabi added a third early in the second half.
Former Rangers striker Hamza Igamane netted his first international goal from a corner routine, and Azzedine Ounahi wrapped up the victory with a curling strike.
The game doubled as the inaugural fixture at the redeveloped Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will host the Africa Cup of Nations final in January 2025 and also be used when Morocco co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
Eight other group winners from African qualifying will join Morocco at the expanded 2026 finals, while the four best runners-up will enter playoffs for a place in an intercontinental tournament.
In Group A, Egypt strengthened their qualification chances with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in Cairo. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from the spot just before halftime after Trezeguet was fouled, and Omar Marmoush added a second penalty in stoppage time following a handball.
The result leaves the Pharaohs five points clear at the top. A win away to Burkina Faso on Tuesday will secure their return to the World Cup for the first time since Russia 2018.
In Group B, DR Congo edged past their rivals with Yoane Wissa on target, while Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara also struck in victory. Senegal stayed a point behind the Congolese after Kalidou Koulibaly and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr secured a 2-0 win over Sudan.
In Group F, Ivory Coast returned to top spot with a narrow 1-0 home win against Burundi, courtesy of Vakoun Bayo’s early header from Simon Adingra’s cross. The reigning African champions now hold a one-point lead over Gabon ahead of Tuesday’s showdown with the Panthers.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s Group C clash in Uyo, where Nigeria face Rwanda. The Super Eagles trail leaders South Africa by nine points and must win to keep alive their fading hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
