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Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with a 5-0 win over Niger.
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Egypt, DR Congo, Senegal and South Africa also secured crucial victories.
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Gambia shocked Kenya, while Guinea beat Somalia but remain off the pace.
Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a commanding 5-0 win over 10-man Niger in Rabat, and the victory sealed top spot in Group E.
Also Read: World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 to Stay in World Cup Race
Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half after Abdul-Latif Goumey’s red card; Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi added goals after the break to complete the rout.
With two games left, the outcome secured Morocco’s fifth World Cup appearance and awarded them their sixth consecutive victory, leaving them unbeatable on 18 points.
Journalists noted how Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup despite significant squad changes.
Elsewhere, Egypt beat Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converted penalties; a win away to Burkina Faso on Tuesday would send Egypt to the World Cup alongside Morocco.
In Group B, the Democratic Republic of Congo stayed top after Yoane Wissa scored in a 4-1 win over South Sudan, keeping their hopes of a first World Cup since 1974 alive.
Senegal sit one point behind DR Congo following a 2-0 win over Sudan, while South Africa strengthened their lead in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.
The match was staged in South Africa because Lesotho lacks a FIFA-approved stadium.
Although South Africa won comfortably, they lost Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane to injury ahead of a key home game with Nigeria.
Other notable results included Gambia’s 3-1 upset of Kenya in Nairobi, and Serhou Guirassy’s first goal for Guinea in a 3-0 win over Somalia.
However, Guinea remain fourth in their group and face an uphill task to qualify.
With this achievement confirmed, Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will now prepare for a run of friendlies and tournament planning.
