Morocco has etched another proud moment in its footballing history by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Let’s dive into an engaging journey through the Atlas Lions’ exhilarating path to qualification, powered by grit, flair, and a squad firing on all cylinders.
The Road to Qualification: A Campaign of Dominance
Group E: Morocco vs. The Contenders
Placed in CAF Group E, Morocco’s opponents included Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, Niger, and the withdrawn Eritrea . Thanks to Congo’s suspension for government interference, the group dynamics shifted in Morocco’s favor with some matches awarded by forfeit .
Opening Statements: Starting Strong
Morocco kicked off their campaign with a confident 2–0 away win over Tanzania, with Hakim Ziyech opening the scoring and a fortuitous own goal sealing the victory . This dominance was extended with a 2–1 home win against Zambia, where Ziyech again starred alongside debutant Eliesse Ben Seghir .
Thrashing Congo: Statement of Intent
In June 2024, the Atlas Lions delivered a thrilling 6–0 home win against Congo, with Azzeddine Ounahi, Chadi Riad, Ayoub El Kaabi (a stunning hat-trick), and Soufiane Rahimi all on target . This emphatic result underlined their intense attacking style and growing confidence.
March 2025: One Step from Destiny
Morocco continued their relentless march with back-to-back wins over Niger and Tanzania in March 2025. In Oujda, they dismantled Tanzania 2–0, with a corner rebound goal by Nayef Aguerd and a penalty calmly converted by Brahim Díaz . FIFA hailed Morocco as being in “pole position” to qualify, praising their streak of eight straight wins, potent attack, and star power from the likes of Díaz, Achraf Hakimi, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou .
In a tightly contested match against Niger, Morocco edged out a 2–1 win thanks to a late strike from Bilal El Khannouss, putting them top of the group .
Sealing the Deal: Historic Qualification
On September 5, 2025, Morocco made history in Rabat. Against a ten-man Niger side, they unleashed a dominant performance to beat them 5–0, with goals from Ismael Saibari (2), Ayoub El-Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi . This victory secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup with two qualifying matches to spare—marking them as the very first African side to punch their ticket to North America 2026 .
Stars, Style, and Strategy: The Moroccan Formula
Tactical Leadership
Under Walid Regragui, Morocco has combined structure with swagger. His disciplined setup and aggressive transitions formed a deadly blend—disruptive yet creative.
Key Contributors
Brahim Díaz: Real Madrid’s sharpshooter, he has been lethal—scoring seven goals in eight qualifier matches and contributing two assists .
Achraf Hakimi: A right-back who injected energy and world-class quality from PSG.
Yassine Bounou: A dependable goalkeeper who brings leadership and composure between the sticks .
The Attack: Relentless and Dynamic
Morocco’s offense has been ruthless—scoring 4+ goals in six of their last seven matches, showcasing versatility and depth in attacking options .
A New Chapter in Moroccan Football
Morocco’s 2026 qualification wasn’t just another step—it was a leap into an elevated footballing era. It marks their third consecutive World Cup, a feat reflecting sustained excellence beyond their spectacular 2022 run, when they became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals .
Supported by global odds (though still underdogs), Morocco’s growing status is recognized ［odds at 100/1 for the 2026 title］.
Conclusion: The Atlas Lions Roar Onward
Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup stands as an inspiring testament to team synergy, managerial acumen, and relentless ambition. From comfortable early wins to thumping victories and history-making moments, the Atlas Lions have shown they are not just participants—they are contenders.
As the world looks ahead to the grand tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco is ready to roar again—carrying with them the hopes of a nation, a continent, and a generation of fans.
