Morocco have become the first African team to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after crushing Niger Republic 5-0 in Rabat on Friday.
A first-half brace from Ismael Saibari set the tone after Niger’s Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off. Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added second-half goals to seal Morocco’s sixth consecutive win in Group E. The Atlas Lions now top the group with 18 points, eight clear of Tanzania, guaranteeing a seventh World Cup appearance with two matches left.
Coach Walid Regragui has blended new talents like PSV’s Saibari with 2022 World Cup veterans such as Ounahi. Morocco previously made history in Qatar by reaching the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal before falling to France.
Elsewhere in qualifiers, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush scored penalties as Egypt beat Ethiopia 2-0, DR Congo powered past South Sudan 4-1 with new Newcastle signing Yoane Wissa on target, and South Africa defeated Lesotho 3-0 to maintain their Group C lead despite injury setbacks.
The qualification race continues with crucial fixtures next week, including Senegal vs DR Congo and South Africa vs Nigeria.
