World Cup Qualifying: Five-star Morocco confirm qualification

Morocco are the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 5-0 thrashing of Niger on Friday at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions had some issues breaking down the Nigerien defense for the opening twenty minutes but after Niger midfielder Abdoul-Latif Goumey was expelled for a second yellow card, the visitors crumbled in the Group E clash. Ismaël Saibari scored twice before halftime to begin the Moroccan pummeling.

Ayoub El Kaabi made it 3-0 in the 51st minute and at that point, it was just a matter of how lopsided the victory was going to be. Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi scored in the final half hour to confirm another dominant victory for Morocco, who remain perfect in World Cup qualifying.

Morocco are now the confirmed winners of Group E with Tanzania, Zambia and Niger set to battle for second place. Tanzania drew 1-1 with Congo earlier on Friday and Zambia will host Morocco on Monday.

Group E Table

1. Morocco- 18 points (6 matches played)
2. Tanzania- 10 points (6 matches)
3. Zambia- 6 points (5 matches)
4. Niger- 6 points (5 matches)
5. Congo- 1 point (6 matches)⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.