Morocco, captained by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, could this week become the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A victory over Niger in Rabat on Matchday 7 will secure the Atlas Lions an unassailable lead in Group E—unless second-placed Tanzania pull off a surprise win in Congo Brazzaville earlier in the day.
Even if Tanzania win, Morocco’s qualification is only a matter of time. The 2022 World Cup semifinalists would then travel to Zambia on September 8 knowing that a single point would book their ticket to the expanded 48-nation global showpiece.
Currently, Morocco lead Group E with a perfect 15 points from five matches. Tanzania sit second with nine, followed by Zambia and Niger on six each. Congo, who forfeited three fixtures due to political interference in their football federation, remain rooted at zero.
Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football, is enjoying a glittering year. The Paris Saint-Germain star played a pivotal role in PSG’s 2024-25 Champions League triumph, opening the scoring in their emphatic 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan. He also featured in the squad that finished runners-up to Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
On the international stage, Hakimi led Morocco to bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, further cementing his reputation as a leader and talisman. Alongside African stars Mohamed Salah and Serhou Guirassy, Hakimi is one of three Africans nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to Moroccan media, Hakimi shared his ambition: “My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco – either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations.” Morocco will host the 2025 AFCON from December 21, entering as favourites to lift the continental crown for the first time since 1976.
Morocco aren’t the only African powerhouse closing in on qualification. Egypt, led by Salah, can secure their place by beating Ethiopia at home and Burkina Faso away in Group A. The Pharaohs currently top their group and look strong contenders to extend their proud World Cup history.
Burkina Faso, strengthened by the addition of Brentford forward Dango Ouattara, will benefit from the reopening of their national stadium in Ouagadougou, recently cleared by FIFA.
In contrast, Nigeria face an uphill battle. Despite a squad stacked with European-based stars, including striker Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles have managed just one win in six matches. They sit fourth in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa.
“Nigerians tell us we are a talented generation, but that will be meaningless if we cannot feature at a World Cup,” admitted Osimhen. The Super Eagles now face Rwanda at home before a decisive away clash against South Africa, a match that could define their campaign.
After the disappointment of missing out on AFCON 2025, Ghana are enjoying a resurgence. Two wins against Chad and Mali would bring them within touching distance of a second consecutive World Cup appearance. With attacking talent such as Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, the Black Stars look well-equipped to finish the job.
Mali, expected to challenge for top spot, have underwhelmed with only two wins from six outings, leaving them six points adrift of Ghana in Group I.
Matchday 7 kicks off on Wednesday, followed by Matchday 8 from Sunday. The remaining two rounds are set for October 8-14. At the end of the campaign, only the nine group winners will book direct qualification to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With Morocco on the brink of history and several heavyweights fighting to avoid disappointment, Africa’s road to 2026 promises plenty of drama.
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