The Atlas Lions of Morocco became the first African nation to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a dominant 5-0 victory over Niger on Friday night in Rabat.
Morocco, which stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, needed just three points to progress from Group E. That opportunity came after Tanzania’s 1-1 draw with Congo-Brazzaville earlier on Friday, and Walid Regragui’s men wasted no time taking advantage.
Niger’s hopes collapsed midway through the first half when Abdoul-Latif Goumey was shown a red card for a second bookable offence in the 26th minute. Morocco immediately pounced, with Ismael Saibari converting Youssef Belammari’s cross just three minutes later.
Saibari added his second before the break, tapping home a low delivery from Achraf Hakimi. The goals kept coming after halftime as Ayoub El Kaabi struck from another Belammari assist, before former Rangers forward Hamza Igamane netted his first international goal from a clever corner routine. Azzedine Ounahi then curled in the fifth to round off a memorable evening.
The emphatic win was played at the newly redeveloped Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and feature in the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
Elsewhere in African qualifying, Egypt moved within touching distance of a World Cup return. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both converted penalties in Cairo to give the Pharaohs a 2-0 win over Ethiopia.
With a five-point cushion in Group A, victory against Burkina Faso on Tuesday would guarantee Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 2018.
In other results, Yoane Wissa struck for DR Congo while Dango Ouattara fired Burkina Faso to victory, keeping their respective qualification hopes alive.
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