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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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Countries Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (as of September 2025)
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.
Automatic Hosts
Canada
Mexico
United States
Asia (AFC)
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)
Oceania (OFC)
New Zealand (March 24, 2025) — first time Oceania has a guaranteed berth
South America (CONMEBOL)
Argentina
Brazil
Ecuador
Uruguay
Colombia
Paraguay
Africa (CAF)
Morocco (September 6, 2025) — the first African nation to qualify, following a 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat
Current Total
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.