Morocco seal 2026 World Cup spot with 5-0 win over Niger, first African team to qualify

Morocco has secured its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to qualify after thrashing Niger 5-0 in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions, who made history as Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, sealed their spot from Group E with two games in hand.

This followed Tanzania’s 1-1 draw against Congo-Brazzaville earlier on Friday, which meant Morocco only needed a win to progress.

Niger’s hopes were dealt a major blow when Abdoul-Latif Goumey was sent off in the 26th minute after a second yellow card.

Morocco wasted no time taking advantage, as Ismael Saibari opened the scoring three minutes later from Youssef Belammari’s cross. Saibari struck again just before half-time, this time assisted by Achraf Hakimi.

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After the break, Ayoub El Kaabi added a third goal, once again from a Belammari delivery.

Substitute Hamza Igamane then marked his first international appearance with a debut goal from a rehearsed corner routine, before Azzedine Ounahi wrapped up the rout with a superb curling effort.

The night carried extra significance as it was Morocco’s first game at the newly refurbished Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium — the venue slated to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and a key ground for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

With their ticket to 2026 secured, Morocco joins the list of nine African group winners that will qualify directly.

Meanwhile, the four best runners-up will enter a playoff for a chance to compete in an intercontinental tournament.

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With less than a year to go until the expanded 48-team tournament kicks off across North America, the qualification picture is becoming clearer. A total of 17 nations have officially booked their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Canada

• Mexico

• United States

• Japan (qualified March 20, 2025)

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• Iran (March 25, 2025)

• Jordan (June 5, 2025) — first-ever World Cup appearance

• South Korea (June 5, 2025)

• Uzbekistan (June 5, 2025) — making debut

• Australia (June 10, 2025)

• New Zealand (March 24, 2025) — first time Oceania has a guaranteed berth

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Ecuador

• Uruguay

• Colombia

• Paraguay

Morocco (September 6, 2025) — the first African nation to qualify, following a 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat

So far, 17 teams have secured qualification:

• 3 hosts

• 6 from Asia

• 1 from Oceania

• 6 from South America

• 1 from Africa

With Morocco’s qualification, Africa’s campaign is heating up as eight other group winners will eventually join them, while the four best runners-up head into playoffs. Europe (UEFA), the rest of Africa, and CONCACAF are still in progress, with several heavyweights yet to confirm their places.