Morocco becomes first African team to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco has become the first African nation to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada after a resounding 5-0 victory over Niger on Friday in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions dominated the match from start to finish, with Ismael Saibari of PSV Eindhoven netting a first-half brace in the 29th and 38th minutes. Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos) extended the lead shortly after the break in the 50th minute, followed by goals from Hamza Igamane (LOSC Lille, 68th) and Azzedine Ounahi (Girona, 84th).

With this emphatic win, Morocco confirmed its place at the top of Group E, clinching qualification for its third consecutive World Cup.

The qualification continues Morocco’s strong momentum on the international stage, following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four.