Morocco on the Brink: Atlas Lions Set to Become First African Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco on the Brink: Atlas Lions Set to Become First African Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Morocco, led by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi are just one step away from becoming the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A victory over Niger in Matchday 7 at Rabat would give the Atlas Lions an unassailable lead in Group E, unless second-placed Tanzania pull off a win against Congo Brazzaville earlier in the day.

Even if Tanzania triumph, Morocco’s qualification will likely only be delayed. The North Africans travel to Zambia on September 8 and assuming they defeat Niger, just a single point in Ndola would seal their ticket to the expanded 48-nation global tournament.

Morocco currently lead the group with 15 points from five games. Tanzania sit on nine, Zambia and Niger six apiece, while Congo remain pointless after forfeiting three matches during a government interference dispute.

Hakimi, regarded as one of the world’s finest right-backs, has been pivotal for both club and country. The Paris Saint-Germain star helped his club lift the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, scoring in the 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan, and later finishing runners-up to Chelsea in the Club World Cup.

He also guided Morocco to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Alongside Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund, Hakimi 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.

Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December 21, starting as firm favourites to reclaim continental glory for the first time since 1976.

Egypt, spearheaded by Salah, are also well placed for qualification. Wins against Ethiopia and Burkina Faso would guarantee their spot.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar, are struggling in Group C. With only one win in six matches, they sit fourth, six points behind leaders South Africa.

“We are desperate to qualify this time,” admitted striker Victor Osimhen.

“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.”

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Nigeria face Rwanda at home before a decisive clash away in South Africa.

Elsewhere, Ghana are enjoying a resurgence after their AFCON disappointment. Victories over Chad and Mali in Group I would bring them closer to back-to-back World Cup appearances.

Matchday 7 begins this Wednesday, followed by Matchday 8 on Sunday. The final two qualifying rounds are scheduled for October 8–14, with all nine group winners securing direct tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.