Morocco have officially booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African side to do so after dismantling Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday night. The victory not only sealed the Atlas Lions’ passage with two games to spare but also marked the nation’s first appearance at three consecutive World Cups.
Having already made history by reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, Walid Regragui’s team knew that a win against Niger would be enough to clinch qualification after Tanzania were held to a 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville earlier in the day. That result left Morocco in complete control of Group E, and they wasted little time stamping their authority on the decisive match.
Niger’s hopes collapsed midway through the first half when Abdoul-Latif Goumey was shown a second yellow card in the 26th minute. Just three minutes later, Ismael Saibari fired home from a Youssef Belammari cross to open the scoring. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder struck again before the break, this time converting from an Achraf Hakimi cutback, to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead.
The second half saw Morocco turn the screw. Ayoub El Kaabi, the Olympiacos striker and one of Africa’s most prolific forwards, pounced on another inch-perfect delivery from Belammari to add a third. Former Rangers youngster Hamza Igamane then stepped off the bench to score his first international goal, finishing off a smart corner routine to make it four. The rout was complete when Azzedine Ounahi curled in a fifth, sparking wild celebrations inside the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The stadium, reopened after major upgrades, is set to play a central role in African football in the coming years. It will stage the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and also be among the venues when Morocco co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
For Morocco, this qualification is further proof of their growing stature in world football. They now join an expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where African representation will rise significantly. Eight other group winners will also book their tickets automatically, while four runners-up will battle for playoff spots and a chance at intercontinental qualification.
Morocco at the FIFA World Cup
- First appearance: 1970 (Mexico)
- Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)
- Best result: Fourth place (Qatar 2022)
The Atlas Lions continue to roar, and after their fairytale run in Qatar, the world will be eager to see how far they can go in 2026.
