US EditionWorld Cup Finals 2026: Morocco Crushes Niger and Wins World Cup Qualification
Morocco secured early qualification with an unblemished record, winning all six matches and leading their group by eight points, officials said.
- On Friday, the Morocco national football team defeated the Niger national football team 5-0 in Rabat, winning Group E and becoming the first African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
- A sixth successive victory lifted Morocco to 18 points, eight clear of Tanzania, clinching qualification with two matches to spare; Morocco remains the only side with a 100% record across nine African qualifying groups.
- Ismael Saibari's brace helped Morocco, with Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi scoring once each, while Niger finished with 10 men after Abdul-Latif Goumey's sending off.
- With group winners qualifying directly, Egypt can join Morocco at the 2026 World Cup if they beat Burkina Faso on Tuesday; four best runners-up advance to a November playoff.
- After their 2022 semi-final run, Morocco have remained Africa's top-ranked side, reaching the World Cup semi-finals by eliminating Spain and Portugal before losing 2-0 to France.
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35 Articles
New Strait Times
Morocco crush 10-man Niger to seal 2026 World Cup spot
JOHANNESBURG: Morocco trounced 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday to win Group E and become the first African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
The Atlas Lions outclassed Niger, 5-0, in Rabat, to become the first African selection to validate its ticket for the competition held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Straits Times
The New ArabMorocco first African nation to qualify for 2026 World Cup
CAPE TOWN - Morocco became the first African country to book a place at next year’s World Cup finals on Friday with a 5-0 victory at home to Niger ensuring they top their group. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Ismaël Saibari has propelled Morocco to next year's World Cup. The PSV player scored twice in the 5-0 victory over Niger, earning the Moroccans a place in the final tournament.
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