Morocco leads Africa, joins 16 teams in 2026 World Cup

Morocco secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Niger on September 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, becoming the first African team to qualify for the tournament. Led by coach Walid Regragui, the victory featured goals from Ismael Saibari (two), Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi, with 70,000 fans packing the newly renovated stadium. The early qualification, clinched with two rounds to spare in Group E of the African Qualifiers, places the Atlas Lions alongside 16 other confirmed teams for the event, set for June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This achievement builds on Morocco’s fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the list of qualified teams includes South American, Asian, Oceanian, and host nations.

The celebration in Rabat marked a milestone for Moroccan football, which not only secured a spot but also solidified a sports project launched nearly two decades ago. The dominance over Niger, amplified by an opponent’s red card in the 26th minute, showcased the team’s balance between attack and defense. Morocco now prepares for matches against Zambia and Eritrea, using the remaining games for tactical tweaks and testing new talent.

• Historic rout: Morocco won 5-0, with Saibari scoring twice.
• Renovated stadium: The match marked the reopening of Prince Moulay Abdellah.
• Group leadership: 18 points ensure qualification with two rounds to go.
• Vibrant crowd: About 70,000 fans filled the stadium in Rabat.

Morocco’s rising strength

Morocco’s campaign in the African Qualifiers reflects its global rise. With five wins and one draw in six matches, the team leads Group E with 18 points, eight ahead of second-placed Tanzania. A draw between Tanzania and Congo in the same round sealed Morocco’s early qualification. Under Regragui’s leadership, the squad blends veterans like Achraf Hakimi (PSG) and Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) with rising stars like Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven) and Hamza Igamane (Lille).

The match against Niger exemplified Morocco’s style: high pressing, quick transitions, and a stout defense. After Latif Goumey’s red card in the 29th minute, Saibari scored, capitalizing on a Belammari cross. He added another before halftime, assisted by Hakimi. In the second half, El Kaabi, Igamane, and Ounahi sealed the rout, while the defense kept a clean sheet. Over the last six games, Morocco conceded just two goals, underscoring its consistency.

• Efficient attack: 15 goals scored in six games, averaging 2.5 per match.
• Solid defense: Only two goals conceded in 540 minutes.
• Key players: Saibari, Hakimi, and Bounou were pivotal in the campaign.

Teams qualified for 2026

Morocco is the 17th team confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. Alongside the Atlas Lions, 16 other nations have secured spots, spanning four continents. The host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—are automatically qualified, while South America has six representatives: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay. Asia contributes Japan, Iran, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, and Uzbekistan, and Oceania has New Zealand as its sole representative so far.

• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay.
• Asia: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Uzbekistan.
• Oceania: New Zealand.
• Host nations: United States, Canada, Mexico.
• Africa: Morocco, the first African team to qualify.

The list reflects the tournament’s diversity, with 12 groups of four teams, where the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. Africa, with nine direct slots and one additional via playoff, is expected to see strong contenders like Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia, who lead their qualifying groups.

Legacy of 2022 and future ambitions

Morocco’s 2026 qualification builds on its historic 2022 World Cup run in Qatar, where it became the first African team to reach the semifinals. The Atlas Lions ousted Spain and Portugal before falling to France, finishing fourth after losing to Croatia. The campaign put African football in the spotlight and cemented the Mohammed VI Academy, established in 2008, as a cornerstone of Morocco’s project.

Players like Hakimi, Ziyech (Galatasaray), and Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) are products of this investment in infrastructure and youth development. The renovation of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, hosting 70,000 fans, underscores Morocco’s commitment to sports. The country is also gearing up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations across six cities, a key test for its infrastructure ahead of the World Cup.

Global outlook for the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be a landmark event due to its expanded format and innovative structure. With 104 matches, the tournament kicks off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11 and concludes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The presence of powerhouses like Argentina, the reigning champions, and Brazil, five-time winners, raises expectations, while newcomers like Jordan and Uzbekistan add fresh competition. Morocco, with its recent track record, is poised to surprise again.

South America, with all six direct slots filled, showcases the continent’s strength, with Paraguay’s return after 16 years standing out. Asia, with eight total slots, has secured six, and Oceania has confirmed New Zealand. Europe, with 16 direct slots, is yet to confirm qualifiers, but teams like England, France, and Germany are favorites. The intercontinental playoff will offer six additional spots, with New Caledonia already secured as Oceania’s representative.

• Tournament format: 12 groups of 4 teams, with 32 advancing to the knockout stage.
• Duration: June 11 to July 19, 2026.
• Venues: 16 cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Morocco’s preparation for the tournament

With qualification secured, Morocco shifts focus to preparation. Matches against Zambia (September 8) and Eritrea (October 8) will allow Regragui to test prospects like Igamane, who scored on his debut against Niger, and refine tactics. The team is expected to retain its core, including Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina) and Nayef Aguerd (West Ham), while integrating new talent. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted at home, will gauge Morocco’s readiness for the World Cup.

Morocco also eyes 2030, as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal to host the World Cup. Stadiums in Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat are ready, with a new project in Dakhla bolstering ambitions. The early 2026 qualification fuels confidence for a standout performance.

Impact on African football

Morocco’s leadership inspires Africa, which seeks greater prominence in 2026. With nine direct slots, teams like Cape Verde, Gabon, and DR Congo lead their groups, while heavyweights like Senegal and Cameroon may need the playoff. Morocco’s journey, driven by investment in infrastructure and talent, sets a benchmark for other African nations aiming to emulate its 2022 success.

The Rabat crowd, turning the match into a celebration, reflects national pride. The ovation for Brahim Díaz, despite a quiet game, highlights the bond between team and fans. Morocco enters the 2026 World Cup as a symbol of progress, with potential to surpass its 2022 fourth-place finish and elevate African football globally.