- Morocco have sealed their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 FIFA World Cup with two games to spare
- The Atlas Lions topped Group E in CAF qualifying following their 5-0 mauling of Niger in the new Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat
- The World Cup 2026 tournament will mark the Atlas Lions’ seventh appearance on football’s biggest stage, having made their debut at Mexico 1970
2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist, Morocco secured a 5-0 victory over Niger in the Group E Africa zone World Cup qualifiers on Friday, becoming the first African team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup qualification.
The match was played at the newly-constructed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and Morocco’s strong team performance synced with an electric atmosphere in the first-ever football game at the 68500 capacity football theatre.
A brace from Ismaeil Saibari plus goals from Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi ensured the last African team that left Qatar become the first to book their spot for the Canada, Mexico and USA FIFA World Cup.
The Turning Point
The game took a crucial turn in the 26th minute when Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey was sent off following two bookings, giving Morocco a numerical advantage and allowing them to press high up the pitch. Ismaeil Saibari capitalized on the opportunity, scoring his first goal with a well-placed finish in the 29th minute to put Morocco 1-0 up. Saibari doubled Morocco’s lead just nine minutes later, scoring his second goal with a precise through ball from Yousef Bellamaari.
Despite Niger’s efforts to regroup and absorb the pressure, Morocco continued to dominate the game, maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities through their intricate passing moves. Ayoub el Kaabi scored in the 51st minute, making it 3-0 in favor of Morocco after a perfectly weighted cross from Sofyan Amrabat. Hamza Igamane with his second touch coming off the bench to further increase Morocco’s lead in the 69th minute, rising highest to meet a pinpoint corner kick from Yousef Bellamaari. Azzedine Ounahi sealed the win with a goal in the 84th minute, slotting home a rebound after a shot from El Kaabi was parried by the Niger goalkeeper, Djibrilla Kassali.
The over 50 000 fans in attendance, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino enjoyed the historic moment at the Moulay Abdellah as Walid’s men turned on the screw.
Tactical Acumen
The team’s performance was a testament to their solid defensive organization and clinical finishing applied by Walid Regragui, as they worked together seamlessly to outmanoeuvre their compact Nigerien side. Walid kept the squad happy as he effectively utilized squad depth and adapted to Niger’s defensive setup.
The team’s midfielders, Amrabat and Eliesee Ben, controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the flow of play and creating scoring opportunities through their vision and creativity.
Milestone victory
The victory marked a significant milestone for Morocco, as they became the first team from the African zone to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
This achievement is a testament to Morocco’s growing football prowess and their determination to make a mark on the global stage.
Up next for the Atlas Lions is a game against Zambia on Monday. Zambia is pushing for a possibility of a runner-up spot that could land them in the playoffs, while for Morocco, it would be sparring and fixing puzzles ahead of the AFCON in December.
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