Morocco became the first team from Africa to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. The Moroccans beat Niger 5-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on the 6th of September and then followed up with a 2-0 victory over Zambia last night to book their place for next year’s World Cup.
Morocco had stunned the world of football by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, held in Qatar, eventually losing to Runners Up France. The performance was monumental. Coached by Walid Regragui, the Moroccan Team had been inspirational to say the least.
The success at the World Cup notwithstanding, the Moroccan outfit has not let the success interfere with their focus for constant improvement and performance. The Atlas Lions have performed outstandingly in the World Cup Qualifiers and is the only team in their group to have won all their matches so far.
With 7 wins from 7 games and a total of 21 points, the Moroccans cannot be surpassed, will top the group and hence have qualified from Group E for the World Cup.
With 21 goals scored and only 2 goals conceded, it has been a splendid campaign from Morocco with Walid Regragui firmly at the helm. He has been a revelation as a coach and has not allowed his team to slip at any point of time.
The core of the team as strong as ever, with Bono, Achraf Hakimi, En-Nesyri, Amrabat, El Khannouss and Yamiq, taking responsibility and guiding the team perfectly. It will be exciting to see how the Moroccans perform in the Americas and whether they can repeat the success of the last world Cup.
Joining Morocco, in the list of qualifiers for the World Cup 2026, were their northern African compatriots Tunisia. The Eagles of Carthage beat Equatorial Guinea by a solitary goal last night at the Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea. Ben Romdhane scored 4 minutes into stoppage time to send Tunisia to the World Cup.
Ahmen Dahmen, the 28 year old goalkeeper of Tunisia was in sensational form as he denied Equatorial Guinea time and time again, and eventually against the run of play Tunisia snatched a goal in the dying minutes of the game. It was heartbreaking for Equatorial Guinea but utter joy for Tunisia.
The victory gave them 22 points from 8 games 10 points clear of second placed Namibia in Group H. The Tunisians, therefore could not be upstaged and by the virtue of winning the group, they have qualified for the World Cup.