World qualifiers 2026: Morocco, first African qualified

World qualifiers 2026: Morocco, first African qualified

ByThe Mwebantu Team
. .

Morocco became this Friday the first country on the continent to validate its ticket for the 2026 World Cup. The Lions of the Atlas ensured their qualification by crushing Niger 5-0, on the occasion of the 7ᵉ day of the playoffs.

Reduced to ten from the 26th minute after the expulsion of Abdoul-Latif Goumey, the Nigeriens quickly underwent the law of Moroccans. Ismael Saibari opened the scoring three minutes later, before signing a double just before the break. On the return from the locker room, Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi weighed down the brand.

This success, combined with draw (1-1) between Tanzania and Congo, allows Moroccans to ensure first place in group E, two days from the end.

Historical semi-finalists in Qatar in 2022, the men of Walid Regragui confirm their status as a locomotive in African football. As a reminder, the continent has nine direct places for the 2026 edition, to which will be added a possibility via the intercontinental dams.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.