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Morocco has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States (US), Canada, and Mexico. After the stalemate contest between Tanzania and Congo-Brazzaville, Morocco required only three points from Group E of the World Cup Qualifiers to make it to the grand event, scheduled to be held next year. Against Niger at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions looked extraordinary and clinched a dominating 5-0 victory. Ismael Saibari looked superb and notched up two goals and guided his side to the triumph.
In the 29th minute, Saibari, with the assistance of Youssef Belammari, opened the scoring and put his team in a commanding position. In the 38th minute, Saibari again scored for Morocco. Saibari’s performance also emboldened his teammates as Ayoub El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane also stood tall and scored for the Atlas Lions. Hamza Igamane, who was sitting on the bench, also came out and racked up his maiden international goal. Eventually, when the referee whistled to conclude the game, Morocco supporters jumped in joy as their team confirmed their spot in football’s grand event again.
Morocco produced their best performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
In 2022, Morocco registered the best performance of their FIFA World Cup history. Under Romain Saiss’ captaincy, Morocco beat Belgium and Canada and reached the semi-finals. Against the 2010 champions Spain, they succeeded in securing a draw. In the quarter-final, they stunned Portugal with a 1-0 win.
Following Morocco’s historic triumph, Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo was seen in tears. The Atlas Lions’ campaign eventually ended with the loss against France in the semi-final. Saiss and his men recorded a 0-1 defeat against the two-time World Cup champions. This time, under Achraf Hakimi, Morocco will look to be impactful again to give stiff competition to the giants in the upcoming marquee tournament.
