Morocco have become the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions booked their ticket in style with a thumping 5-0 home victory over Niger.
A raucous Rabat crowd roared the Atlas Lions to victory on Saturday.
The first goal came in 29 minutes after sustained pressure, with Ismael Saibari sliding in to convert Youssef Belammari’s tantalizing low cross and lift the roof off the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The same player was in the right place at the right time again nine minutes later, slotting home expertly—this time from a low cross from Achraf Hakimi.
Ayoub El Kaabi removed any lingering nerves early in the second half, finishing from another superb Belammari delivery, and further goals from Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi set up a night of celebrations in the Moroccan capital.
On a busy day in CAF qualifying, there were wins for South Africa, Egypt, Benin, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, and Uganda.
The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
