Morocco Qualify For FIFA World Cup 2026 in a Grand Style
- Morocco’s upward surge in world football has reached fresh heights with a stylish qualification for the 2026 World Cup
- The Atlas Lions were at their ruthless best against Niger, who are one of the weakest African footballing nations
- The North African giants and one major European football national will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Morocco has etched its place in history, becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after a stunning 5–0 victory over Niger in Rabat on Friday, September 5.
The match unfolded at the impressive Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Morocco dominated from the off. Ismael Saibari set the tone with a brace, while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi all added to the damage, contributing to a textbook rout
Source: Getty Images
According to FIFA, with 18 points on the board, Morocco were uncatchable in their group, as fellow contenders Tanzania drew 1–1 with Congo earlier in the evening, leaving them trailing on 10 points.
This landmark qualification builds upon Morocco’s precedent-setting run at World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab side to reach the semi-finals, dispatching the likes of Spain and Portugal before eventually finishing fourth
Their consistency and tactical steel continue to place them at the pinnacle of African football. With qualification now secured, Morocco, co-hosts of 2030 World Cup with Spain, can direct full attention towards preparations for next summer’s global showpiece.
Backed by a committed fan base and a squad brimming with emerging stars, the Atlas Lions are well-placed to deliver further unforgettable performances on the world stage.
Morocco qualify with 100% record
Meanwhile, this emphatic win against Niger marked a sixth successive qualifying victory, leaving the Atlas Lions as the only team across the nine African groups to boast a flawless record, according to the Guardian.
Their campaign began in Dar es Salaam in November 2023, where goals from Hakim Ziyech and an own goal by Bakari Mwamnyeto secured a 2–0 win over Tanzania.
Back on home soil in June 2024, they edged Zambia 2–1 in Agadir, with Ziyech striking early from the spot before Eliesse Ben Seghir restored the lead after a late scare.
Days later, Morocco produced a statement performance, dismantling Congo 6–0, powered by an Ayoub El Kaabi hat-trick.
The winning momentum continued in March 2025, when Morocco came from behind to beat Niger 2–1 in Oujda, courtesy of Ismael Saibari and Bilal El Khannouss.
Just four days later, Morocco eased past Tanzania 2–0 thanks to goals from Nayef Aguerd and Brahim Diaz, before sealing qualification in emphatic fashion on Friday with a resounding 5–0 thrashing of Niger in Rabat.
Source: Getty Images
No doubt, with six wins from six, Morocco have underlined their credentials as Africa’s most consistent and formidable side.
2026 World Cup: List of qualifed teams
YEN.com.gh earlier looked at all the countries that have booked their place for next year's World Cup, scheduled to take place across three countries: Canada, USA, and Mexico.
The list is topped by reigning world champions Argentina, who triumphed over France 4–2 on penalties after a pulsating 3–3 draw in the Qatar final, where Kylian Mbappé produced a memorable hat-trick.
Source: YEN.com.gh
