Africa Morocco Set to Be First African Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

The Digest:

Morocco, led by star defender and Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, is on the verge of making history. A win over Niger could make them the first team from Africa to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a major feat that would solidify their status as a global football powerhouse.

Key Points:

• Morocco is set to become the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
• A victory over Niger in Rabat would give them an unassailable lead in their group.
• The team is captained by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi.
• Nigeria’s Super Eagles are struggling, lying fourth in their qualifying group.
• Egypt is another nation well-placed to qualify for the global showpiece.
• Ghana is enjoying a successful World Cup campaign, leading its group.
• The final two rounds of African qualifiers are scheduled for October.

Morocco's potential qualification signals a new era for African football, building on their historic 2022 World Cup run. Meanwhile, the struggle of powerhouse teams like Nigeria highlights the fierce competition in the African qualifiers.

Sources: Complete Sports, Soccernet