Morocco continues its flawless run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This Thursday, at the brand-new and packed Stade Moulay Abdellah, the Atlas Lions secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Niger, a team coached by former Morocco manager Badou Zaki. With this sixth win in as many matches, Hoalid Regragui’s men become the first African nation to secure their ticket to the World Cup.
A Controlled Victory
Buoyed by a large and passionate crowd, the Atlas Lions quickly took the lead before running riot against an overwhelmed opponent. Morocco thus confirms its strength both offensively and defensively, with six matches played, six victories, and no goals conceded. A display that showcases the squad’s depth and the team’s determination on their road to 2026.
Regragui Commends Neil El Aynaoui’s Performance
Beyond the qualification, the post-match was highlighted by comments from coach Hoalid Regragui about newcomer Neil El Aynaoui. Making his debut for Morocco, the midfielder impressed his manager, who did not hesitate to praise him:
“Neil El Aynaoui was playing his first match. It’s never easy to step into a team like this, but he showed his personality. He has a unique style, one that only true football connoisseurs can appreciate. He’s a hardworking, very technical player who covers a lot of ground and brings balance to the team. But the competition is strong. As I said after the 2022 World Cup, we need a deep squad to compete with the top teams. As you’ve seen, we now have quality options on the bench. Some players there could easily be starters. We are a team, and having these options is what matters most.”
A Team Full of Confidence
With this commanding victory, in front of a raucous crowd at Stade Moulay Abdellah, and with qualification already secured, Hoalid Regragui can now focus on managing his squad and preparing the team for the major challenges ahead. Morocco, confident in its strengths and emerging talents, positions itself as one of Africa’s serious contenders for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
