Morocco Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup; Egypt, Senegal, and Ivory Coast Pursue Their Spots
Morocco has made history as the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Niger in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, secured their advancement from Group E with two matches remaining after Tanzania managed only a 1-1 draw against Congo-Brazzaville earlier on Friday.
Niger's Abdoul-Latif Goumey received a red card for his second bookable offense in the 26th minute, and three minutes later, Ismael Saibari capitalized on a cross from Youssef Belammari to score the opening goal.
Saibari extended the lead before halftime, tapping in a low cross from Achraf Hakimi, while Ayoub El Kaabi added the third early in the second half, again from a precise delivery by Belammari.
Hamza Igamane, a former Rangers forward, came off the bench to net his first international goal from a well-executed corner routine, and Azzedine Ounahi capped off the scoring with a curling shot.
The match marked a significant occasion for Morocco, as it was held at the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which is set to host the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next January and will be utilized when the kingdom co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
Eight additional group winners in the African qualifying rounds are guaranteed a spot alongside the Atlas Lions at the 2026 finals, while the four best-placed runners-up will enter playoffs for a chance to compete in an intercontinental tournament.
Meanwhile, Egypt is on the verge of securing their place in the tournament after Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush each scored penalties, leading the North Africans to a 2-0 win over Ethiopia.
Salah opened the scoring just before halftime in Cairo after Trezeguet was fouled in the box, with Marmoush converting a second penalty awarded for handball in first-half stoppage time.
The Pharaohs hold a five-point lead in Group A and know that a victory against nearest rivals Burkina Faso on Tuesday will guarantee their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
Earlier on Friday, Yoane Wissa and Dango Ouattara were among the scorers in victories for DR Congo and Burkina Faso, respectively.
Senegal and Ivory Coast Remain in Contention
In other matches, Senegal remains one point behind DR Congo in Group B after goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr secured a 2-0 home win over Sudan.
The West Africans will face DR Congo in Kinshasa on Tuesday, a match that could determine the group leader as the qualification campaign progresses.
Sudan's aspirations for their first-ever World Cup qualification have dimmed, as they now sit four points behind DR Congo.
In Group F, Ivory Coast reclaimed the top position after defeating Burundi 1-0 in Abidjan, with Vakoun Bayo scoring the only goal from a Simon Adingra cross in the third minute. Despite several opportunities in the second half, the Ivorians could not extend their lead.
Ivory Coast is currently one point ahead of Gabon and will travel to face them in another crucial match on Tuesday.
Nigeria is set to host Rwanda on Saturday at 16:00 GMT in the final match of the seventh round of group stage fixtures. The Super Eagles are nine points behind Group C leaders South Africa and must secure a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.