Defeating Niger, Morocco Becomes The First African Country To Qualify For The 2026 World Cup
JAKARTA - Morocco became the first African country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after defeating Niger 5-0 in the qualifying Group E match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Saturday morning WIB.
Citing Antara, Morocco's victory over Niger was due to goals scored by Ismael Saibari (two goals), Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi.
The result made Morocco firm at the top of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Group E Africa zone by scoring 18 points from six matches that have been passed.
Morocco also confirmed a place in the 2026 World Cup with two remaining matches remaining and their points were unlikely to be overtaken by other competitors.
Furthermore, Morocco is scheduled to continue playing the remaining Group E matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Africa zone against Zambia and Congo.
On the other hand, Niger still has the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with the best second-placed status and then fight in the second round and compete in the inter-confederation play-offs.
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Niger is now in fourth place in Africa's 2026 World Cup Qualification Group E standings with six points after going through five games and leaving three games to play.
The 2026 World Cup will be Morocco's seventh appearance in history after previously appearing in the 1970s, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018 and latest in 2022.
Morocco certainly wants to repeat their brilliant achievements in the 2022 World Cup edition after Achraf Hakimi and colleagues were able to occupy fourth place in the tournament.