Morocco poised to become first African Nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Story by Susan Mbamah
Morocco, led by Achraf Hakimi, could this week secure its spot as the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions need a win over Niger in Rabat to take an unassailable lead in Group E, assuming second-placed Tanzania doesn’t defeat Congo Brazzaville.
Even if Tanzania wins, it would only delay the inevitable for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists. Morocco, which currently leads the group with 15 points, would then need just one point from their match against Zambia on September 8 to clinch a place in the expanded 48-nation tournament.
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Morocco’s success is fueled by star players like Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain defender who recently helped his club win the 2024-25 Champions League. Hakimi, who also captained Morocco to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, is among the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
“My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco, either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations,” he told Moroccan media.
Other African Nations Eyeing Qualification
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, is also in a strong position in Group A. The Pharaohs could seal first place with victories over Ethiopia and second-placed Burkina Faso.
In Group C, Nigeria, despite a proud World Cup history, is struggling. The Super Eagles have won just one of their six matches and are six points behind pacesetters South Africa.
“We are desperate to qualify this time,” star striker Victor Osimhen told reporters. “Nigerians tell us we are a talented generation, but that will be meaningless praise if we cannot feature at a World Cup.
Our squad is packed with stars from the top leagues in Europe, but that alone does not guarantee success. Qualification has to be earned.”
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Meanwhile, Ghana is having a more successful campaign in Group I. After failing to qualify for the 2025 Cup of Nations, the Black Stars are close to earning back-to-back World Cup appearances. They are six points ahead of Mali, the group favorites who have underperformed so far.
The final two rounds of qualifiers are scheduled for October 8-14, with all nine group winners securing a spot at the World Cup.
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