Morocco is on the brink of history as they prepare to potentially become the first African team to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Led by their talismanic captain and Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions will seal qualification if they defeat Niger in Rabat on Matchday 7. A victory would give them an unassailable lead in Group E, unless second-placed Tanzania spring a surprise win in Congo Brazzaville earlier that day.

Even if that happens, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists are unlikely to be denied for long. Morocco will then travel to Ndola for a clash with Zambia on September 8, where just one point would be enough to confirm their place at the expanded 48-nation showpiece.

Currently, Morocco sit comfortably on top of the table with 15 points from five matches. Tanzania trail with nine, while Zambia and Niger both have six. Congo, meanwhile, are bottom with zero points after a turbulent campaign marked by walkovers and administrative woes.

Hakimi, fresh from helping Paris Saint-Germain lift the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League — even scoring in the final against Inter Milan — is now determined to achieve glory with his country. “My dream now is to win a trophy with Morocco — either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations,” he told Moroccan media.

The Atlas Lions will also have the chance to chase continental glory on home soil when they host the 2025 AFCON in December, starting as firm favourites to end a trophy drought stretching back to 1976.

Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana Plot Their Paths

Elsewhere, Egypt — spearheaded by Mohamed Salah — are also closing in on qualification. Wins over Ethiopia and Burkina Faso in Group A would secure their place. Burkina Faso, boosted by Brentford’s Dango Ouattara, will finally return to their Ouagadougou base after FIFA approved stadium renovations.

Nigeria, meanwhile, face an uphill battle in Group C. Despite a squad stacked with European stars, the Super Eagles have only managed one win in six games and sit fourth, six points behind leaders South Africa. Striker Victor Osimhen admits the pressure is high:

> “Our squad is packed with stars from the top leagues in Europe, but that alone does not guarantee success. Qualification has to be earned.”

The Super Eagles will host Rwanda next before a crucial showdown away to South Africa, which could decide their World Cup fate.

Ghana, in contrast, are enjoying a revival under coach Otto Addo. After the disappointment of missing the 2025 AFCON, the Black Stars now have their sights firmly on World Cup qualification. With attacking talent like Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, Ghana will face Chad and Mali in Group I knowing two wins could edge them closer to back-to-back World Cup appearances.

Mali, the pre-group favourites, have underwhelmed and now sit six points behind Ghana, leaving their dream of a debut World Cup appearance in jeopardy.

As Africa’s qualifiers heat up, Matchday 7 begins Wednesday, followed by Matchday 8 on Sunday. With two more rounds scheduled for October, the race is intensifying — but Morocco look set to be the first to cross the finish line.