In just some days, the highway to the 2026 World Cup may take a decisive flip in Africa for Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah. The qualifying marketing campaign, which has already delivered shocks, storylines, and tense battles, enters a crucial part this week. But the most important query lingers with a way of thriller: Which would be the first African nation to safe its place on the upcoming World Cup?
Among the many many contenders, Morocco stands closest to reserving their place on the match to be staged in the US, Canada, and Mexico, as per BBC Sport Africa. The Atlas Lions, led by Ballon d’Or nominee Achraf Hakimi, may affirm their ticket as early as this week in the event that they win in opposition to Niger in Rabat.
A victory at residence would give Morocco an unassailable lead in Group E, except second-placed Tanzania can delay the celebrations by profitable in Congo Brazzaville earlier within the day. Even in that case, Morocco’s qualification appears inevitable. Their September 8 conflict away to Zambia would then require solely a single level to make their passage official.
The numbers communicate for themselves: 5 wins from 5 matches, 15 factors on the board, and never a single group near matching their dominance. Eritrea’s unexplained withdrawal diminished the group to 5 groups, leaving Tanzania (9 factors), Zambia and Niger (six every), and Congo (no factors after forfeits) far behind.
Hakimi’s management has been central to Morocco’s marketing campaign. The PSG defender has thrived in combining defensive energy with attacking aptitude, qualities that made him decisive within the 2024-25 Champions League last, the place he scored the opener in PSG’s 5-0 overcome Inter. He later featured within the aspect that completed runners-up to Chelsea within the Membership World Cup, and in addition captained Morocco to a bronze medal on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Egypt and Salah in command
Whereas Morocco headlines Group E, Egypt is cruising by means of Group A beneath the management of Mohamed Salah. Victories in opposition to Ethiopia in Cairo and Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou this week would safe their return to the World Cup.
Salah, additionally a Ballon d’Or nominee, stays the center of the Pharaohs’ assault. Their five-point cushion on the prime highlights their energy, although Burkina Faso, powered by Brentford ahead Dango Ouattara, nonetheless believes they will spring a shock.
Nigeria’s struggles proceed
Maybe probably the most dramatic storyline is that of Nigeria, which is flirting with catastrophe. The Tremendous Eagles, a group that has missed simply two World Cups since their 1994 debut, are solely fourth in Group C with a single win from six video games.
Regardless of boasting stars like Victor Osimhen, the group trails leaders South Africa by six factors. Osimhen admitted the strain in candid phrases: “We’re determined to qualify this time. Nigerians inform us we’re a gifted technology, however that shall be meaningless reward if we can not characteristic at a World Cup.” Upcoming matches in opposition to Rwanda and South Africa shall be decisive in holding their hopes alive.
Ghana rising, Mali fading
Elsewhere, Ghana is placing previous disappointments behind it. After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, they now prime Group I and will edge nearer to a World Cup berth with victories over Chad and Mali.
The Black Stars’ frontline, that includes Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo, has been instrumental of their resurgence. Mali, in the meantime, is struggling to satisfy expectations regardless of being tipped because the group favorites.
Who may develop into the primary nation to qualify?
So, who would be the first African nation to safe its ticket to the 2026 World Cup? The reply lies with each Morocco and Egypt. The 2 giants are only one win away from mathematically confirming their place. Their dominance has been relentless, and with Hakimi and Salah on the helm, they might properly be Africa’s standard-bearers as soon as once more on the worldwide stage.
