World Cup 2026: Atlas Lions heading to the Americas, Mauritania, Senegal, Egypt secure hard-fought victories

Morocco put up a stellar performance at the opening of the world class Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday.

The Atlas Lions put five past Niger to become the first African nation to officially secure their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals as the race to fill up the remaining African slots approaches the closing stages.

In other qualifiers, Egypt, Senegal as well as Mauritania also secured hard fought victories.

Morocco 5–0 Niger

Scorers: Ismael Saibari (29’, 38’), Ayoub El Kaabi (51’), Hamza Igamane (69’), Azzedine Ounahi (84’)

Morocco inaugurated the renovated Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat in style.

Reduced to ten men after Abdoul-Latif Goumey was sent off (26’), Niger collapsed under Morocco’s relentless attacks. Saibari opened the scoring from an Eliesse Ben Seghir cross (29’) before doubling the lead from an Achraf Hakimi assist (38’).

After the break, El Kaabi netted his fourth goal of the qualifiers (51’), before substitutes Igamane (69’) and Ounahi (84’) completed the rout.

Egypt 2–0 Ethiopia

Scorers: Mohamed Salah (41’ pen), Omar Marmoush (45’+2 pen)

Under pressure before kick-off, Egypt delivered against Ethiopia in Cairo. Dominating play, the Pharaohs made the difference just before halftime with two penalties converted by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

In the second half, Rui Vitória’s men managed their lead, keeping Ethiopia at bay. With this win, Egypt maintain a five-point cushion over Burkina Faso with three games left, closing in on a World Cup 2026 spot.

Senegal 2–0 SudanScorers: Kalidou Koulibaly (13’), Pape Matar Sarr (42’)

Senegal claimed a convincing win against Sudan to stay level with DR Congo at the top of the group. The Lions of Teranga struck early, Koulibaly capitalizing on a goalkeeper error from Mohamed Alnour (13’).

Sarr doubled the lead just before the break with a superb piece of skill inside the box (42’).
The former African champions face DR Congo on 9 September in a decisive showdown.

Mauritania 2–0 Togo
Scorers: Papa Ndiaga Yade (13’), Aly Abeid (68’)

Mauritania secured a solid win over Togo in Nouakchott. Papa Yade opened the scoring after holding off Kevin Boma to slot home in the opening minutes of the first half.

Despite efforts from Kevin Denkey and Kodjo Laba, Togo’s attack couldn’t break through.

In the second half, defender Aly Abeid scored a stunning curling strike from outside the box (68’). Despite the victory, Mauritania’s qualification hopes ended, as both DR Congo and Senegal also won, locking up the top two group spots.

Cote d’Ivoire 1–0 Burundi
Scorer: Vakoun-Issouf Bayo (3’)

Reigning African champions, Cote d’Ivoire reclaimed top spot in their group with a narrow win over Burundi (1–0).

The Elephants now hold a one-point lead over Gabon, whom they will face on Tuesday in a decisive match for direct qualification.The only goal came in the 3rd minute through Vakoun-Issouf Bayo who headed in from close range after a perfect cross by Simon Adringa.

Despite dominating without creating much danger, the Ivorians held firm and moved closer to another World Cup appearance.