Morocco Become First African Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco continue to build on their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run. Reuters reported that Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after beating Niger 5-0 in Rabat. The victory gave Morocco a sixth straight win in qualifying and confirmed them as group winners with a perfect record at that stage. Ismael Saibari scored twice, while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi also scored. Drawn with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, Morocco will again be watched as one of the tournament’s most dangerous non-European, non-South American sides.

Players to watch: Ismael Saibari, Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, Azzedine Ounahi.

Group opponents: Brazil, Haiti, Scotland.