RABAT — Morocco, captained by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, could become the first African nation to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week.
A victory over Niger in Rabat on matchday seven would give the Atlas Lions an unassailable lead in Group E — unless second-placed Tanzania win earlier in the day against Congo Brazzaville. Even then, Morocco’s qualification would likely only be delayed, with the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists needing just a point from their September 8 trip to Zambia to seal their spot at the expanded 48-team global showpiece.
Morocco currently top the group with 15 points from five matches. Tanzania trail with nine, while Zambia and Niger have six apiece. Congo are bottom after conceding three walkovers during a temporary FIFA suspension over government interference.
Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the world’s best right-backs, has enjoyed a glittering year. The Paris Saint-Germain star scored in the club’s 2025 Champions League final rout of Inter Milan and helped Morocco to Olympic bronze in Paris last year. Alongside Mohamed Salah and Serhou Guirassy, he is among 30 players shortlisted 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 in December and start as favourites to win the continental crown for the first time since 1976.
Elsewhere in Africa
Egypt, led by Salah, are well placed to qualify from Group A and can secure their ticket with wins over Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso, boosted by Brentford forward Dango Ouattara, will host at the renovated August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou.
Nigeria, meanwhile, face a far tougher path. The Super Eagles, absent from Qatar 2022 after a play-off loss to Ghana, are struggling in Group C with just one win in six matches. They sit fourth, six points behind leaders South Africa.
“We are desperate to qualify this time,” said striker Victor Osimhen. “Our squad is packed with stars from Europe, but that alone does not guarantee success. Qualification has to be earned.”
Nigeria next host Rwanda before travelling to face South Africa in a decisive clash.
Ghana, who failed to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, are faring better in World Cup qualifying. The Black Stars will face Chad away and Mali at home in Group I, with coach Otto Addo boasting attacking options including Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams.
Matchday seven begins on Wednesday, with matchday eight following on Sunday. The final two rounds are scheduled for October 8–14. Only the nine group winners will book places at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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