Morocco, led by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, are on the brink of making history by becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With just one more win, the Atlas Lions could secure their ticket to the expanded 48-team global showpiece to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Morocco Set to Secure Africa’s First Ticket to 2026 World Cup reflects their remarkable journey and dominance in the qualifiers.
The North African giants, who stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, are once again proving their strength. Their impressive performances in Group E have left them in a commanding position with an unbeaten record so far, underlining why Morocco Set to Secure Africa’s First Ticket to 2026 World Cup is more than just a headline it’s a statement of intent.
Currently sitting on 15 points from five matches, Morocco are well clear at the top of Group E. Eritrea’s withdrawal reduced the group to five teams, but the Atlas Lions have shown no signs of slowing down.
- Morocco – 15 points
- Tanzania – 9 points
- Zambia – 6 points
- Niger – 6 points
- Congo – 0 points
A matchday 7 victory over Niger in Rabat will give Morocco an unassailable lead unless second-placed Tanzania manage a win in Congo Brazzaville earlier the same day. Even if Tanzania triumphs, Morocco would still need just one point from their September 8 clash against Zambia in Ndola to seal qualification.
This dominance highlights Morocco’s consistency in international football and their determination to return to the World Cup stage as strong contenders.
At the heart of Morocco’s success is Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain star widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football. Known for his incredible pace, defensive stability, and attacking flair, Hakimi has become the face of Moroccan football.
- Helped PSG win the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, scoring the opener in a 5-0 rout of Inter Milan in the final.
- Finished runner-up with PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup, losing to Chelsea.
- Captained Morocco to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in men’s football.
Hakimi’s leadership and talent have earned him a nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, alongside African stars Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund).
“My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco either the World Cup or the **Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” Hakimi told local media.
That dream could soon edge closer to reality, especially with Morocco hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December. As hosts, they will be favorites to clinch their first continental crown since 1976.
Morocco are not the only African giants on course for qualification. Egypt, led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, are in a strong position in Group A. Victories over Ethiopia in Cairo and Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou would secure top spot.
Burkina Faso, boosted by Brentford’s Dango Ouattara, remain Egypt’s closest challengers, but Salah’s form and leadership continue to make the Pharaohs favorites to qualify.
Egypt, who hold a record seven AFCON titles, will be determined to return to the global stage and prove their pedigree in North America.
While Morocco and Egypt look comfortable, Nigeria are battling to stay alive in Group C. The Super Eagles, who have only missed two World Cups since 1994, are enduring a tough qualifying campaign.
- Nigeria sit fourth with just one win from six matches.
- They trail leaders South Africa by six points.
- Their only victory so far came against Rwanda, who they host again next.
Despite having star players like Victor Osimhen, the Napoli forward and former African Footballer of the Year, Nigeria’s campaign has been disappointing.
“We are desperate to qualify this time,” Osimhen admitted. “Our squad is packed with stars from top European leagues, but we must prove it on the pitch.”
A crucial showdown with South Africa will likely decide Nigeria’s fate. Failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups would be a massive blow to the nation’s footballing pride.
Another major storyline in African qualifiers is the resurgence of Ghana. After failing to reach the upcoming 2025 AFCON, the Black Stars are bouncing back strongly in Group I.
With attacking talents like Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Ghana have rediscovered their rhythm. Wins against Chad and Mali would place them firmly on track for another World Cup appearance.
Mali, meanwhile, were tipped as favorites to qualify from the group but have struggled with inconsistency, winning just two of their six matches. Their hopes of a historic first World Cup qualification are fading fast.
Matchday 7 of the African qualifiers kicks off this week, followed by Matchday 8 on Sunday. The campaign will conclude with the final two rounds scheduled between October 8–14.
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Under CAF’s qualification system, only the nine group winners will secure direct places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With fierce competition across the continent, every point is crucial.
For Morocco, however, the path seems clear. The Atlas Lions are set to write history once again by becoming the first African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s true football powerhouses.
The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are delivering drama, excitement, and stories of resurgence. Morocco stand at the forefront, ready to inspire the continent as the first team through. Behind them, Egypt push forward under Salah’s brilliance, Ghana rise again, while Nigeria fight to avoid disaster.
With the World Cup expanding to 48 nations, Africa’s presence will be stronger than ever, but Morocco’s early dominance ensures they will lead the charge.
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