Morocco Becomes First African Country to Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup After Beating Niger
- Fourteen nations have already secured their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with one African side among them
- The North African giants swept past their rivals to seal early qualification for next year’s global showpiece
- Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana’s Black Stars remain in the hunt, hoping to book their tickets in the upcoming fixtures
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Morocco has etched its name in the history books by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions sealed their place on Friday, September 5, 2025, with a commanding display against 10-man Niger at the newly opened Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.
Source: Getty Images
Their path was made clearer earlier in the day when Tanzania, who sat second in Group E, stumbled to a 1-1 draw away to Congo-Brazzaville.
That result meant Morocco only needed to complete the job in front of their 68,500 home supporters.
With a squad brimming with talent, Walid Regragui’s men delivered with confidence and style.
Source: Getty Images
A brace from Ismael Saibari, and solitary strikes from Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Adam Ounahi handed Morocco a 5-0 statement win against the Menas of Niger.
The qualification campaign has been flawless for the North Africans. They have won all six of their matches so far, the only team on the continent to maintain a perfect record.
Sharing his perspective on Morocco’s qualification for the World Cup, Awal Mohammed Hudu of Kessben Media told YEN.com.gh:
“For Morocco, this marks another giant step in their journey to build on the fairytale of Qatar 2022, where they became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final after stunning Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
“They haven’t looked back since. They’ve phased out players who are out of form, introduced fresh and hungry talents, including diaspora stars like Brahim Diaz, and will most likely use the remaining qualifiers as preparation for December’s AFCON.”
Which countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Morocco’s qualification makes them the 14th country to book a ticket to North America.
According to ESPN, Japan were the very first to confirm their place, followed by New Zealand, who will be making only their third appearance.
In Asia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, and Australia have also secured qualification, per Fox Sports.
South America already boasts six representatives. Argentina, the reigning world champions, will be joined by Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, the only nation to have never missed a World Cup since 1930.
Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay complete the South American contingent so far.
Back in Africa, Morocco stands alone as the first on the continent to qualify for next year's global showpiece.
However, Egypt appear poised to join them soon, while Ghana missed the chance to tighten its hold on Group I after failing to protect an early lead against lowly Chad.
The Black Stars still have hope, though. A win over Mali in Accra on Monday, September 8, could push them closer to returning to the Mundial.
FIFA bans one country from 2026 World Cup qualifiers
In a related report, YEN.com.gh noted that just one nation remains officially barred from the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite several suspensions during the qualifiers.
That country is Russia, which continues to serve its ban from the tournament.
Source: YEN.com.gh
