Morocco have become the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 5-0 home win against Niger in Rabat. The victory means Morocco cannot be caught at the top of their group.
They scored two goals through Ismael Saibari, with Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi also getting on the scoresheet. Morocco have now won all six of their qualifying matches and are the only African team with a perfect record so far.
Tanzania were the only side who could have challenged them in Group E, but their 1-1 draw with Congo earlier in the day means they are now too far behind. Morocco, who made history by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, continue to lead the African rankings.
Elsewhere, Egypt remained in control of Group A with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in Cairo. Mohamed Salah scored a penalty, his seventh goal in the qualifiers, and Omar Marmoush added a second from the spot. Egypt are five points clear of Burkina Faso, who beat Djibouti 6-0 with two goals each from Dango Ouattara and Edmond Tapsoba.
Ivory Coast went top of Group F with a 1-0 win over Burundi. Vakoun Bayo scored in the third minute, and they now sit one point ahead of Gabon, who they will face next.
In Group B, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal both won and are separated by just one point ahead of their meeting next week. Congo beat South Sudan 4-1 with two goals from Cedric Bakambu, while Senegal beat Sudan 2-0. Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr scored the goals for Senegal.
South Africa stayed five points clear at the top of Group C after a 3-0 win over Lesotho. Lyle Foster was among the scorers. Benin stayed second by beating Zimbabwe 1-0. Nigeria are still in the race but need to win their remaining matches, including one at home against Rwanda and one away to South Africa.
In Group G, Algeria’s chances of qualifying improved after Mozambique were beaten 4-0 by Uganda.
In Group H, Namibia’s loss to Malawi means Tunisia can qualify if they beat Equatorial Guinea on Monday.
The nine group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The four best runners-up will go into a play-off in November.
