The Atlas Lions become the first African nation to book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending their winning run to 13 matches.
Morocco have officially secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger at the redeveloped Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The result made them the first African nation to seal qualification for the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Early Advantage After Red Card
The match swung Morocco’s way early when Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey was sent off in the 26th minute for a second bookable offence. Just three minutes later, the hosts capitalised, as Ismael Saibari converted Youssef Belammari’s cross to open the scoring.
Saibari struck again before half-time, tapping in after Achraf Hakimi’s surging run and low cross, ensuring the Atlas Lions went into the break with full control.
Second-Half Dominance
Morocco resumed the second half with the same intensity, and it didn’t take long to extend their lead. Ayoub El Kaabi made it 3-0 after latching onto another pinpoint delivery from Belammari.
Former Rangers forward Hamza Igamane came off the bench to net his first senior international goal from a clever corner routine, before Azzedine Ounahi completed the rout with a curling strike that sealed a perfect evening for Walid Regragui’s men.
Historic Night in Rabat
The emphatic victory coincided with the reopening of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which has undergone major renovations. The venue will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and will be among the stadiums used when Morocco co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Regragui acknowledged the symbolic significance of sealing qualification on home soil:
“It was fate that we earned qualification at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a jewel of Moroccan architecture and a source of national pride,” he said.
Regragui: “Our tactical plan worked very well”
Speaking after the win, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui praised his players’ discipline and determination.
“Our tactical plan worked very well. The most important thing is that we have booked our place at the World Cup. I want to thank the players for living up to expectations. We tried to increase the tempo early to force the opponent into mistakes, and we managed to score quickly. That set the tone.”
The result extended Morocco’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 13 consecutive matches, further underlining their credentials as Africa’s most in-form team.
What Qualification Means for Africa
With two matches to spare in Group E, Morocco’s progress is confirmed. The Atlas Lions are the first of Africa’s nine guaranteed representatives at the 2026 finals, while the four best runners-up across qualifying groups will enter play-offs for a chance to reach an intercontinental playoff.
For Morocco, the job is already done. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists are now firmly focused on maintaining momentum as they prepare for another historic appearance on the world stage.
