Morocco became the first African nation to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat, marking its first three consecutive World Cups.
The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, understood that earning three points would be sufficient to advance from Group E with two matches remaining after Tanzania could only manage a 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville earlier that Friday.
Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 26th minute, and three minutes later, Ismael Saibari scored from Youssef Belammari’s cross to give Morocco the lead.
Saibari increased the advantage before halftime by tapping in a low pass from Achraf Hakimi, and Ayoub El Kaabi added the third goal early in the second half from another precise delivery by Belammari.
Former Rangers player Hamza Igamane came off the bench to net his first international goal with a well-executed corner routine, and Azzedine Ounahi capped off the scoreline with a curling shot.
It marked a flawless evening for Morocco as they played in the inaugural match at the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will host the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next January and will be utilized when the nation co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
Eight additional group winners in African qualifying will be guaranteed to join the Atlas Lions at the 2026 tournament, while the four best-performing runners-up will enter playoffs for a chance to participate in an intercontinental competition.
Morocco at the FIFA World Cup
First appearance: Mexico 1970 Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026) Best result: Fourth-place (2022)
