Morocco on the verge of securing early Spot at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Morocco, led by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, is on the brink of becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A win over Niger in Rabat on matchday seven would give the Atlas Lions an unassailable lead in Group E, unless second-placed Tanzania secures a victory in Congo Brazzaville earlier the same day. However, a Tanzanian win would likely only delay Morocco’s qualification.

Morocco will then travel to Ndola to face Zambia on September 8 and would need just one point to secure their spot at the 48-team global tournament. The team currently tops Group E with 15 points from five matches, in a group reduced to five teams after Eritrea withdrew before the qualifiers began. Tanzania sits second with nine points, followed by Zambia and Niger with six each, while Congo has yet to earn a point after three walkovers caused by government interference in football administration.

Hakimi, a standout defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has been pivotal in Morocco’s rise, helping PSG win the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League and guiding his country to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He is among 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside Mohamed Salah and Serhou Guirassy. Speaking to Moroccan media, Hakimi said, “My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco — either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December 21 and is widely regarded as the favourite to claim the continental title for the first time since 1976.

Meanwhile, Egypt, led by Salah, is also well-placed to qualify. Wins against Ethiopia in Cairo and Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou would guarantee top spot in Group A. Burkina Faso will be boosted by the return to their home stadium, Stade du 4 Août, following FIFA-approved renovations.

Nigeria, a regular at the World Cup since 1994, faces an uphill battle after missing out on Qatar 2022. With just one win in six matches, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa. “We are desperate to qualify this time,” said star striker Victor Osimhen. “Our squad is packed with stars from Europe’s top leagues, but success is not guaranteed. Qualification has to be earned.” Nigeria will host Rwanda before a crucial away game against South Africa.

Ghana, who missed out on AFCON 2025 qualification, are enjoying a strong World Cup run in Group I and could move closer to qualification with victories over Chad and Mali. Despite being favourites, Mali has struggled and trails Ghana by six points.

Matchday seven of the African qualifiers kicks off Wednesday, followed by matchday eight on Sunday, with the final rounds scheduled for October 8-14. All nine group winners will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.