Morocco has secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat on Friday, becoming the first African nation to book a spot at next year’s finals.
The Atlas Lions maintained their perfect record in the qualifiers, winning all six of their matches in Group E. Ismael Saibari scored twice, while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi each added a goal to seal the emphatic win.
Morocco, who made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022, remain the only side across all nine African qualifying groups with a 100% record. Tanzania, their closest challengers in Group E, drew 1-1 with Congo earlier on Friday to fall eight points behind.
Elsewhere across the continent, Egypt strengthened their hold on Group A with a 2-0 win at home to Ethiopia. Mohamed Salah converted a penalty for his seventh goal of the qualifiers before Omar Marmoush added another from the spot. Burkina Faso stayed in the chase with a 6-0 thrashing of Djibouti, thanks to doubles from Dango Ouattara and defender Edmond Tapsoba.
African champions Ivory Coast returned to the top of Group F after Vakoun Bayo’s early strike gave them a 1-0 win over Burundi in Abidjan. They sit one point ahead of Gabon, who they face away on Tuesday.
In Group B, just a single point separates leaders Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal ahead of their crucial clash in Kinshasa. Cedric Bakambu’s brace and Yoane Wissa’s strike inspired Congo to a 4-1 win over South Sudan, while Senegal defeated Sudan 2-0 with goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.
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South Africa extended their lead in Group C to five points with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho, Burnley striker Lyle Foster among the scorers. Benin edged Zimbabwe 1-0 to remain second. Nigeria, who have endured a shaky campaign, must now win at home against Rwanda on Saturday and then in South Africa on Tuesday to keep their hopes alive.
Algeria boosted their qualification prospects in Group G after second-placed Mozambique were beaten 4-0 in Uganda. In Group H, Namibia’s defeat to Malawi means Tunisia will qualify if they beat Equatorial Guinea on Monday.
The winners of all nine groups will automatically qualify for the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The four best runners-up will contest playoffs in November for a possible additional berth.
