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Morocco Set for First African 2026 World Cup Spot

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Morocco, captained by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, stand just one victory away from making history as the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions, unbeaten in Group E, will book their ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if they defeat Niger in Rabat on matchday seven. A win would give them an unassailable lead unless second-placed Tanzania spring a surprise earlier in the day against Congo Brazzaville.

Even if Tanzania prevail, Morocco’s qualification would only be delayed. They are set to face Zambia in Ndola on September 8, where a single point would be enough to seal their place.

Currently, Morocco top the table with 15 points from five matches. Tanzania follow with nine points, while Zambia and Niger have six each. Congo remain bottom and pointless after conceding three walkovers during a temporary FIFA suspension caused by government interference in the game’s administration.

Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain star who thrives in both defense and attack, is at the heart of Morocco’s charge. Rated among the best right-backs in world football, the 26-year-old helped PSG lift the 2024/25 Champions League title, scoring the opening goal in a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final. He was also part of the side that later finished runners-up to Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

On the international stage, Hakimi led Morocco to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics before guiding them to within touching distance of another World Cup. Alongside Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, he is among the 30 nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

“My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco — either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations,” Hakimi told Moroccan media.
The Atlas Lions will host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year, with the tournament kicking off on December 21. Morocco will start as heavy favourites to reclaim continental glory for the first time since 1976.

Elsewhere, Egypt, led by Salah, are also closing in on qualification. Victories over Ethiopia in Cairo and Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou would see them top Group A. Burkina Faso, boosted by Brentford forward Dango Ouattara, can now host matches again following FIFA’s approval of upgrades to the national August 4 Stadium.

Nigeria, meanwhile, face a more turbulent path. The Super Eagles, who have only missed two World Cups since their debut in 1994, are struggling in Group C. Despite a squad filled with European-based stars, they sit fourth with just one win from six games, six points adrift of leaders South Africa.

“We are desperate to qualify this time,” said Victor Osimhen, the Turkey-based striker and former African Footballer of the Year. “Nigerians tell us we are a talented generation, but that will be meaningless praise if we cannot feature at a World Cup. Our squad is packed with stars from the top leagues in Europe, but that alone does not guarantee success. Qualification has to be earned.”
Nigeria will next host Rwanda, their only victims so far, before a potentially decisive clash away to South Africa.

In Group I, Ghana are chasing back-to-back World Cup appearances after failing to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Two victories against bottom side Chad and fellow contenders Mali would put the Black Stars firmly in control. Coach Otto Addo has a wealth of attacking options, including Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams.

Mali, tipped as group favourites, are now six points behind Ghana with only two wins in six matches, leaving their World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy.
Matchday seven of the African qualifiers begins on Wednesday, with round eight following on Sunday. The final two rounds are scheduled for October 8–14, and only the nine group winners will advance to the 2026 World Cup.
 

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