Morocco qualify 2026 World Cup campaign could be sealed this week as the Atlas Lions edge closer to history. Led by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, Morocco may become the first African team to book a spot in the expanded 48-nation tournament.
If Morocco defeat Niger in Rabat on matchday 7, they will secure an unassailable lead in Group E, unless Tanzania beats Congo Brazzaville earlier that day. Even then, the qualification would likely only be delayed, with Morocco needing just one more point from their next match against Zambia in Ndola on September 8.
The Atlas Lions top Group E with 15 points from five games. Tanzania follows with nine, while Zambia and Niger sit on six each. Congo, weakened by administrative turmoil, remains pointless. Eritrea had withdrawn before the qualifiers began.
Hakimi, regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, continues to shine for Paris Saint-Germain, recently scoring in the club’s Champions League-winning 5-0 final against Inter Milan. He also helped Morocco to Olympic bronze in Paris 2024 and 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 reporters.
Elsewhere in Africa, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt could qualify with wins over Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, who return to their refurbished August 4 Stadium.
Nigeria, however, faces a tougher path. The Super Eagles, absent in Qatar, have won just once in six Group C games and sit fourth. Star striker Victor Osimhen insists the squad must prove itself against Rwanda and South Africa to revive hopes.
Ghana, dominant in Group I, could edge closer to back-to-back World Cup appearances with victories over Chad and Mali. Despite boasting stars like Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo, Mali have only two wins in six matches and trail Ghana by six points.
Matchdays 7 and 8 of the African qualifiers kick off this week, with the final rounds scheduled for October. Only the nine group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
