Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football

Atlas Lions • African Pioneers

Qualification Journey

Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, securing their place with a dominant 5-0 victory over Niger at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on September 5, 2025. The Atlas Lions’ qualification came with two matches to spare, demonstrating their complete dominance of CAF Group E throughout the qualifying campaign.

The qualification achievement highlights Morocco’s exceptional campaign:

• First African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
• Perfect record in Group E with six wins from six matches
• Goals from Ismael Saibari (2), Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azeddine Ounahi
• Qualified with two matches remaining in the group stage
• Third consecutive World Cup qualification (2018, 2022, 2026)
• Seventh World Cup appearance overall

Match Analysis: Morocco 5-0 Niger

The qualification-clinching victory over Niger was a masterclass in attacking football from the Atlas Lions. Playing against ten men after Niger’s early red card, Morocco seized control and never looked back. Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven announced himself on the international stage with a brilliant first-half brace, showcasing the technical ability that has made him a rising star in European football.

The second half saw Morocco maintain their relentless pressure, with Ayoub El Kaabi adding a third goal before Hamza Igamane and Azeddine Ounahi completed the rout. The performance demonstrated the depth and quality that coach Walid Regragui has cultivated since taking charge, with new faces seamlessly integrating alongside experienced campaigners.

Building on 2022 Success

Morocco’s qualification for 2026 builds directly on their remarkable achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Under Walid Regragui’s leadership, the Atlas Lions have maintained their momentum while introducing fresh talent to complement their established core.

The team’s tactical evolution has been remarkable, combining the defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess that served them so well in Qatar with a more expansive, possession-based approach. This tactical flexibility, demonstrated throughout the qualifying campaign, makes Morocco a formidable opponent for any team at the 2026 tournament.

New Generation and Continuity

Coach Walid Regragui has successfully balanced continuity with innovation, introducing new faces like Ismael Saibari while maintaining the spine that reached the Qatar semi-finals. Only Azeddine Ounahi from the goalscorers against Niger was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, highlighting the coach’s commitment to developing the next generation of Moroccan talent.

The emergence of players like Saibari, Igamane, and El Kaabi provides Morocco with exciting options going forward, while established stars continue to provide leadership and experience. This blend of youth and experience positions Morocco perfectly for sustained success at the international level.

Historic Legacy and 2026 Ambitions

Morocco’s football history is rich with pioneering achievements, from being the first African team to top a World Cup group in 1986 to their historic semi-final run in 2022. Their qualification for 2026 continues this tradition of breaking new ground and raising the bar for African football.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents another opportunity for Morocco to make history. With the Atlas Lions having proven they can compete with the world’s best in Qatar, their return to the global stage will be watched with great anticipation across Africa and the Arab world.

Morocco’s early qualification for the 2026 World Cup caps a remarkable period in the nation’s football history. From Qatar semi-finalists to North American qualifiers, the Atlas Lions continue to blaze a trail for African football, carrying the hopes of an entire continent as they prepare for their seventh World Cup appearance.